US20030222548A1 - Storage device for health care facility - Google Patents
Storage device for health care facility Download PDFInfo
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- US20030222548A1 US20030222548A1 US10/160,564 US16056402A US2003222548A1 US 20030222548 A1 US20030222548 A1 US 20030222548A1 US 16056402 A US16056402 A US 16056402A US 2003222548 A1 US2003222548 A1 US 2003222548A1
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- Prior art keywords
- drawer
- ratcheting
- storage device
- bin
- housing
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B81/00—Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G12/00—Accommodation for nursing, e.g. in hospitals, not covered by groups A61G1/00 - A61G11/00, e.g. trolleys for transport of medicaments or food; Prescription lists
- A61G12/001—Trolleys for transport of medicaments, food, linen, nursing supplies
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a device for storing and dispensing medical items, and more specifically to a storage device providing controlled access to the medical items.
- EIS-5851 (1417GP0751)
- Ser. No. ______ “Nursing Order Workflow System and Method” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5899 (1417GP0756)), Ser. No. ______; “Healthcare Database Management Offline Backup and Synchronization System and Method” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5895 (1417G-P752)), Ser. No. ______; “Biometric Security For Access To A Storage Device For A Healthcare Facility” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5847 (1417G-P720)), Ser. No. ______; “System And Method For Supporting Clinical Decisions During Patient Care And Treatment” (Attorney Docket No.
- EIS-5896 (1417G-P753)), Ser. No. ______; “System And Method For Facilitating Patient Care And Treatment” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5898 (1417G-P755)), Ser. No. ______; “System And Method For Facilitating Orders During Patient Care And Treatment” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5900 (1417G-P757)), Ser. No. ______; and, “Pharmacy System And Method” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5901 (1417G-P758)), Ser. No. ______.
- Locked cabinets can provide efficient and accessible storage of medications and other medical items by using different shelves for storage of the different medical items. Additionally, locked drawers also prevent unauthorized access to the medications and other medical items. Such measures, while unfortunate, are typically provided in order to prevent theft of the medical items, particularly narcotics and other controlled substances.
- medication cabinets incorporate a computer or microprocessor to selectively provide access to a particular drawer in response to an input requesting a specific medication.
- narcotics and other controlled substances require even a greater degree of access control.
- One approach to providing this control involves incorporating individually lockable bins in drawers containing narcotics or other controlled substances. This solution, however, presents a choice between storing a unit dose in each individually lockable bin, incurring considerable cost, or storing multiple doses in an individually lockable bin, affording reduced security.
- U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,961,036, 5,957,372 and 6,073,834, commonly assigned to Diebold, Inc. disclose an apparatus and method for accepting return of unused medical items.
- the apparatus includes a return drawer and a retrieve drawer which are opened responsive to signals received from a display terminal networked with a computer.
- the return drawer includes a pocket that is accessible from outside of the housing when the return drawer is moved to an open position.
- the pocket includes an opening and is closed by a trap door when the return drawer is in the open position. Medical items to be returned are placed in the pocket and the return drawer is closed. Upon the closing of the return drawer the trap door is moved to an open position by an actuator.
- the return medical item passes from the pocket to a retrieve area in the retrieve drawer. Medical items are stored in the retrieve area until the retrieve drawer is controlled responsive to the input of data at the display terminal.
- Such a device is expensive to manufacture and complicated to operate.
- an inexpensive and reliable drawer operating system that provides graduated access to a drawer so that items stored in the drawer may be extracted from the front of the drawer and access given to more rearward portions of the drawer only after inventories have been depleted is desired.
- an inexpensive and reliable return system that allows users to deposit unused medical items, including medications such as narcotics, for safe return to authorized personnel, such as a pharmacist, is desired.
- the present invention is provided.
- the present invention provides a device for controlling access to medications and other medical items in various compartments of the drawer.
- the device comprises a ratcheting drawer and a latching mechanism.
- one or more ratcheting drawers are provided in modules which are placed in a cabinet.
- One type of cabinet is a moveable medication depot.
- the ratcheting drawer, or one or more modules containing a plurality of ratcheting drawers, is fitted within the cabinet.
- the ratcheting drawer has a ratcheting member that is connected to the drawer.
- the ratcheting member may include a series of one-directional teeth affixed to the ratcheting drawer.
- the ratcheting member is engaged by the latching mechanism for controlled access to the ratcheting drawer.
- the latching mechanism is removably connected to the cabinet, or to the module connected to the cabinet. Additionally, the latching mechanism may also be a component of the drawer.
- the latching mechanism is configured to engage the ratcheting drawer at any of a plurality of positions to prevent the drawer from being opened beyond a specific position, while still allowing the drawer to be closed at any time.
- the latching mechanism may include a solenoid that receives a signal from a controller for engagement/disengagement with the ratcheting member.
- the latching mechanism is adapted to engage one of the one-directional teeth to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer, while still allow closing of the drawer when engaged.
- a controller is provided.
- the controller is operatively connected to the latching mechanism.
- the controller controls engagement of the ratcheting member by the latching mechanism.
- the controller may receive signals from a computer as to which drawer to open, as well as how far to open each drawer to access a specific bin.
- a sensor is provided.
- the sensor is operatively connected to the latching mechanism.
- the sensor senses the position of the drawer and sends a signal to the controller of the position of the ratcheting drawer.
- the ratcheting drawer has markings thereon which are sensed by the sensor as the drawer moved in and out.
- the sensors may be fixedly mounted to the framework of the depot, to read the markings and to determine the absolute position of the ratcheting drawer.
- the ratcheting drawer is divided into a plurality of bins adapted to hold the medical items.
- the bins are disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened.
- the controller receives authorization for access to the medical items in the depot.
- the controller may determine which drawer and which bin to access.
- the controller also tracks which bins have been accessed and the position of the ratcheting drawer. Based on certain information, the controller typically allows access to the first bin of the ratcheting drawer containing one of the medical items, as opposed to the empty bins in front of that bin.
- the latching mechanism is normally engaged with one of the series of one-directional teeth to prevent the ratcheting drawer from opening beyond its current position.
- the controller Upon receipt of a signal, the controller disengages the latching mechanism until the ratcheting drawer is positioned to expose the bin authorized for access.
- the controller allows the latching mechanism to re-engage to prevent further withdrawal of the ratcheting drawer.
- the particular bin authorized for access may be determined by a processing unit included in a cabinet or depot.
- a processing unit may be configured to authorize opening of a particular ratcheting drawer, and the ratcheting drawer assembly may comprise a controller which tracks the bins that were previously accessed and allows access to the next sequential bin.
- the ratcheting drawer is mounted in a module that is removably secured in the cabinet. Further a plurality of ratcheting drawers may be mounted in the module.
- the module is adapted to be removably inserted within a cabinet so that a variety of modules having various drawer configurations may be inserted in the cabinet.
- a motorless device for controlling access to one or more medical items.
- the motorless device comprises at least one ratcheting drawer with a plurality of bins adapted to hold medical items and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened, a sensor for determining a current position of the ratcheting drawer relative to the plurality bins, and a latching mechanism configured to engage the ratcheting drawer at any of a plurality of positions to prevent the drawer from opening beyond the current position while allowing the drawer to be closed.
- a ratcheting mechanism is operatively connected to the drawer, and the ratcheting mechanism is selectively engaged by the latching mechanism.
- one of the drawers is a return drawer.
- the controller obtains a signal that a medical item is to be returned, the controller provides a signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the next empty bin in the series of bins for placement of a medical item to be returned therein. After the medical item to be returned is placed in the next empty bin, the bin is returned to an unexposed position. Further, the controller does not allow exposure of the contents of that bin until the controller receives a signal by an authorized user.
- a storage device for controlling access to returned medical items in a medical facility.
- the storage device comprises a housing having a return bin secured in the interior of the housing.
- the return bin has a cavity with an opening, and the return bin is movable to a plurality of positions.
- the housing has a first aperture that mates with the opening in the return bin when the return bin is positioned in a first position.
- the housing also has a cover which overlays the first aperture in the housing to provide controlled access to the cavity of the return bin inside the housing.
- An actuator is provided and connected to the return bin. The actuator manipulates movement of the return bin.
- a controller electrically connected to the actuator provides the actuator with a signal for manipulating the return bin between the first and second positions.
- the housing has a second aperture providing access to the interior of the housing.
- a locking door covers the second aperture to control access to the interior of the housing through the second aperture.
- a method for securing access to medical items in a container comprises the steps of providing a drawer having a unidirectional ratcheting member, providing a latching mechanism, providing a controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism, and sending a signal from the controller to the latching mechanism to manipulate the latching mechanism for controlling engagement of the latching mechanism with the ratcheting member.
- a sensor may be provided and be operatively connected to the controller. The sensor senses a position of the drawer, and sends a signal from the sensor to the controller of the position of the drawer.
- a method of returning a medical item to the storage device comprises providing a housing having an interior and a return bin in the housing.
- the housing has a cover which is opened. When the cover is opened, the a cavity in the return bin is accessible through a first aperture in the housing.
- the medical items to be returned are then deposited within the cavity of the return bin, and the cover is closed.
- an actuator manipulates the return bin from a first position to a second position when the cover is closed, to expel the contents of the items from the cavity into the interior of the housing.
- the contents in the interior of the housing can then be removed through a locking door.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medication depot having a ratcheting drawer and a return storage system of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a module of ratcheting drawers of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one ratcheting drawer of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of one ratcheting drawer of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a partial top view of the framework of the ratcheting drawer assembly of FIG. 1, with one ratcheting drawer removed;
- FIG. 6A is a partial cut-away side elevation view of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 6B is top plan view of FIG. 6 a
- FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the latch mechanism of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 8A is a partial cut-away side elevation view of the return storage system of FIG. 1; and, FIG. 8B is a partial cut-away side elevation view of the return storage system of FIG. 1.
- a storage device in the form of a medical item/medication cabinet or depot 100 for storing and dispensing medical items, such as medications, and for controlling and monitoring access to the medical items in the depot 100 .
- the medication depot 100 may have wheels 101 , and thus be moveable by a nurse or other clinician.
- the medication depot 100 has a frame that includes one or more apertures configured to accommodate drawer assemblies 102 .
- the drawer assemblies 102 include a drawer 104 for storing and dispensing medical items.
- the drawer assemblies 102 may also include a framework 134 .
- the drawers 104 may be provided as individual drawers of varying sizes. Additionally, as shown in FIG.
- the drawers 104 may be provided as interchangeable modular units 108 , having a plurality of drawers 104 , that are inserted into the cabinet 100 .
- the drawers 104 may be lockable.
- any of the drawers 104 may also be of the ratcheting type to control access to the individual drawers 104 , and to control access to various portions of each drawer.
- one embodiment of the medication depot 100 has an interchangeable modular unit 108 .
- the interchangeable modular unit 108 comprises an array of ratcheting drawers 104 (i.e., five drawers wide and four drawers high, however, it is understood that the module 108 can be of a variety of sizes to hold a variety of drawers 104 ).
- the modular unit 108 is a retrofittable unit that may be inserted into a modular opening in the cabinet 100 .
- Drawers 104 of varying sizes may be provided in the modules 108 , and different module units 108 may be interchangeably installed in the same opening of the cabinet 100 .
- a medication depot 100 may be assembled to provide a desired quantity of various size and various access-controllable drawers.
- one module 108 of ratcheting drawers 104 is combined with standard locking drawers 104 located below the module unit 108 .
- the modular unit 108 is illustrated in a retracted position (i.e., prior to insertion or during removal of the modular unit 108 ), however, in FIG. 1 the modular unit 108 is shown in its fully seated position in the cabinet 100 .
- the modular unit 108 has slides 110 , which are on the side of the modular unit in the embodiment illustrated. The slides 110 engage a mating member 112 of the cabinet 100 . As such, the modular unit 108 is easily insertable and removable from the cabinet 100 .
- FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one of the ratcheting drawers 104 of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the ratcheting drawer 104
- FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the ratcheting drawer 104 .
- the ratcheting drawer 104 has a height (H), width (W) and depth (D).
- the ratcheting drawer 104 may further have a plurality of dividers 114 which divide the drawers 104 into separate bins 116 for storage of the medical items, including medications and controlled medications such as narcotics.
- the dividers 114 allow the bins 116 to become exposed sequentially as the drawer 104 is opened.
- Each bin 116 is preferably configured to hold an individual item, and with respect to medication, each bin 116 is preferably configured to hold a unit dose of the medication.
- the size of bins 116 can be adjusted by repositioning the dividers 114 which are adapted to be adjustably positioned in the drawer 104 .
- the ratcheting drawer 104 has a ratcheting member 118 .
- the ratcheting member 118 is a unidirectional member having a plurality of teeth 120 .
- the term unidirectional identifies that in one direction the ratcheting member 118 does not prevent movement (i.e., the drawer 104 may be pushed back into the cabinet 100 at any time), while in a second direction the ratcheting member 118 may prevent movement if so engaged (i.e., the latching mechanism 122 may engage the ratcheting member 118 to stop the drawer 104 from further outward movement).
- the ratcheting member 118 is a linear ratcheting gear, however, it is understood that other mechanical and electrical configurations are interchangeable for the linear ratcheting gear 118 .
- the linear ratcheting gear 118 comprises a series of one-directional or one-way teeth 120 .
- the linear ratcheting gear 118 having the one-directional teeth 120 is disposed on the drawer 104 such that the assembly resists extension of the drawer 104 (movement from back to front) when engaged, but yet still allows retraction of the drawer 104 (movement of the drawer from front to back) when engaged.
- the ratcheting member 118 may be formed in a “U” shape as shown in FIG. 3.
- the ratcheting member 118 is disposed on the bottom surface of ratcheting drawer 104 , and is affixed to ratcheting drawer 104 with the use of screws, rivets, welding, brazing, or other attachment means known in the art.
- the ratcheting drawer 104 further has a first mating member 124 to physically support the ratcheting drawer 104 and to assist the ratcheting drawer 104 to be slidingly opened and closed.
- the first mating member engages a second mating member 126 for guiding and supporting the drawer 104 as the drawer 104 is extended and retracted.
- the second mating member 126 is fixedly mounted within the medication depot 100 by being affixed to either the framework 134 of the drawer assembly 102 , the framework of the modular unit 108 , or the medication cabinet 100 itself.
- the second mating member 126 is affixed to the framework 134 of the drawer assembly 102 , however, it may also be affixed to either the cabinet 102 or the modular unit 108 .
- the first mating member 124 is centrally disposed on the bottom surface of the ratcheting drawer 104 adjacent the ratcheting member 118 .
- the first mating member 124 comprises a channel or rail and the second mating member 124 comprises a slide member (it is understood that these components may be reversed).
- the first mating member 124 freely and slidingly engages the second mating member 126 for providing sliding movement of the drawer 104 . It should be understood that while the first and second mating members are illustrated and described as a rail and slide engagement mechanism in the figures, other mating configurations known in the art are contemplated and are within the scope of the present invention.
- the ratcheting drawer 104 also has markings 128 thereon.
- the markings 128 are located on the bottom of the drawer 104 opposing the ratcheting member 118 , however the markings 128 may also be placed at other locations.
- the markings 128 are configured to provide data to a sensor 130 for determining the position of the drawer 104 . Further, the markings 128 may indicate the currently accessible bin 116 .
- the markings 128 comprise binary marking stickers (i.e., stickers where each of a series of positions is either light or dark to provide a binary data word), however, other markings or types of indicators are understood by those in the art.
- the markings 128 extend about the entire depth (D) of the drawer 104 to provide positioning information about the entire depth (D) of the drawer 104 .
- the sensor 130 is provided for determining the position of the drawer 104 .
- the sensor 130 may be an optical sensor, such as a binary optical sensor, or it may be any other type of sensor know in the art.
- the sensor 130 is positioned to read the markings 128 disposed on the ratcheting drawer 104 . As the ratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted, the markings 128 are sensed and sequentially read by sensor 130 .
- the sensor 130 then transmits data or other signals to a controller 132 , or to a central processing unit that controls the controller 132 , corresponding to the sensed information from the markings 128 , and indicative of the position of the drawer 104 .
- the senor 130 is affixed to either the framework 134 of the drawer assembly 102 , the framework of the modular unit 108 , or the medication cabinet 100 itself. In the specific embodiment illustrated, the sensor 130 is affixed to the framework 134 of the drawer assembly 102 .
- the sensor 130 remains stationary as the ratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted. Affixing the electronic components in a stationary position enhances the reliability of the system.
- the markings 128 for the drawer 104 are calibrated to allow controller 132 to properly control access to the ratcheting drawer 104 .
- calibration is conducted by calibrating the markings 128 to the one-directional ratcheting member 118 and to the bins 116 .
- This calibration may be consummated by physical alignment of the markings 128 with the one-directional ratcheting member 118 and the bins 116 , by software embedded in controller 132 , or by a combination thereof.
- the drawer assembly 102 for the ratcheting drawers 104 also includes a latching mechanism 122 .
- the latching mechanism 122 controllably engages the ratcheting member 118 .
- the latching mechanism 122 is affixed to either the framework 134 of the drawer assembly 102 , the framework of the modular unit 108 , or the medication cabinet 100 itself.
- the latching mechanism 122 is affixed to the framework 134 of the drawer assembly 102 . As such, the latching mechanism 122 remains stationary as the ratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted.
- the latching mechanism 122 is a component of the assembly of the ratcheting drawers 104 .
- the latching mechanism 122 is also a component of the assembly 102 of the ratcheting drawers 104 , however, in this configuration the latching assembly 122 is also a component of the module unit 108 .
- the latching mechanism 122 comprises a solenoid 136 having an engaging member 138 .
- the solenoid 136 is operatively connected to the controller 132 .
- the engaging member 138 operatively engages the ratcheting member 118 to prevent outward movement of the drawer 104 .
- the latching mechanism 122 is normally engaged with linear ratcheting gear 118 . Accordingly, when engaging member 138 of the latching mechanism 122 is engaged with linear ratcheting gear 118 , the ratcheting drawer 104 is prevented from being further extended.
- an authorized operator such as a nurse
- an authorized operator may extend the ratcheting drawer 104 until the authorized one of the bins 116 is exposed.
- the latching mechanism 122 releases a drawer 104
- the drawer can be extended only one bin 116 length.
- the sensor 130 senses the position of the drawer 104 and the controller 132 transmits a signal to the latching mechanism 122 to engage the linear ratcheting gear 118 so that the drawer 104 cannot be extended further to prevent access to additional bins 116 , if so required.
- the ratcheting drawer 104 may be closed while the latching mechanism 122 is engaged with the ratcheting mechanism 118 .
- the controller 132 controls engagement of the ratcheting member 118 by the latching mechanism 122 .
- the present invention provides access to a first full one of the bins upon each successive authorization, whereupon the medical item in the one of the bins is withdrawn by the medication depot operator, and the next one of the bins becomes the first full one of the bins.
- an ejection mechanism 140 is provided in the ratcheting drawer assembly 102 .
- the ejection mechanism 140 is affixed to the framework 134 , however it may also be affixed to other stationary items such as the modular unit 108 or the cabinet 100 .
- the ejection mechanism 140 may comprise, for example, a spring 142 and a pusher 146 , whereby the spring 142 applies a force to the pusher 146 relative to a fixed point of the medication depot 100 structural framework.
- the ejection mechanism 140 provides an initial force to slide the drawer 104 to a slightly open position, providing a visual indication of the correct drawer to be accessed for authorized removal of the medical item.
- the controller 132 is configured to receive an authorization signal from either a central computer or processor (not shown) or a local computer or processor 148 .
- the signal may be, for example, a data signal corresponding to a specific one of the bins ( 210 in FIG. 2) that a user, such as a nurse, is authorized to access.
- the controller 132 includes a printed circuit board and has software or controls which receives data, interprets data and performs routines with the data to develop output, and it also transmits the output. Further, the controller 132 may store data and/or output.
- the signal may also correspond to a particular ratcheting drawer 104 , all of whose bins hold unit doses of one particular medication, or a particular medication stored in one or more ratcheting drawers.
- the controller 132 may be hardwired to the central computer and/or local processor 148 .
- the controller 132 receives a remote signal, typically via a radio frequency (RF) signal from the central processor.
- RF radio frequency
- the cabinet 100 generally has a transmitter/receiver (not shown) which can receive and transmit RF and other type signals with the central processor.
- the controller 132 is a separate unit from the local processor 148 .
- the controller 132 and the local processor 148 are integral as in FIG. 1.
- the controller 132 may be configured to track which bins 116 of the ratcheting drawer 104 or ratcheting drawers 104 have been accessed.
- the authorization signal may be provided, for example, by the central processor.
- the authorization signal may be provided by a local computer or processor 148 .
- the central processor controls both the local processor 148 and the controller 132 . Both the central processor unit and the local processor unit 148 interfaces with data files of the medical center and pharmacy.
- Patient or medication data can be entered into the system at any location, including at the local processing unit 148 via an interface, such as a scanner 150 (e.g., by scanning a patient identification strap) or a keyboard 152 (e.g., by entering a patient identification code or a medication code).
- the local processing unit 148 receives the patient or medication data, verifies access authorization (e.g., by matching a prescription file with patient identification data, and matching a personnel identification with a medication control level) and provides a control signal that unlocks a particular one of drawers 104 for which access has been authorized.
- the controller 132 is electrically connected to and configured to receive a signal from the sensor 130 indicating the position of the ratcheting drawer 104 . Further, the controller 132 tracks which bins have been accessed and the position of the ratcheting drawer 104 . As such, the controller 132 typically only allows access to the first bin 116 of the ratcheting drawer 104 containing one of the medical items.
- the controller 132 receives a certain authorization signal, it energizes the solenoid 136 , releasing the engaging member 138 of the latching mechanism 122 .
- the latching mechanism 122 is normally engaged with linear ratcheting gear 118 attached to the drawer 104 .
- latching mechanism 122 when latching mechanism 122 is engaged with linear ratcheting gear 118 , it prevents the ratcheting drawer 104 from being further extended.
- latching mechanism 122 releases the ratcheting gear 118 , however, an authorized operator, such as a nurse, pulling on the drawer 104 may extend the ratcheting drawer 104 from the cabinet 100 .
- the spring mechanism above provides an initial force to at least partially open the drawer 104 .
- controller 132 de-energizes solenoid 136 , and latching mechanism 122 re-engages the ratcheting mechanism 118 to prevent the drawer 104 from being opened further.
- all electronic components of the ratcheting drawer assembly 102 i.e., sensor 130 , controller 132 , and solenoid 136 ) are affixed to some framework and remain stationary as the ratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted. Affixing the electronic components in a stationary position will enhance the reliability of the system in comparison to devices that incorporate moving electronic components.
- the latching mechanism 122 and the sensor 130 are positioned generally below the top of second mating member 126 .
- the sensor 130 and the components of the latching mechanism 122 have a height such that they can be positioned below the ratcheting drawer 104 and still leave sufficient height for the bins 116 of the ratcheting drawer 104 to contain medical items.
- essentially the full depth D of the drawer may comprise storage bins 116 .
- Using the full depth of the drawer 104 for storage increases the number of bins 116 that are provided in a drawer 104 of a given depth, and increases storage density which is an important attribute of medication depots.
- FIGS. 5 and 7 show alternative latching mechanisms 122 , respectively accommodating different orientations of solenoid 136 .
- the solenoid 136 is oriented to provide displacement of the engaging member 138 .
- the solenoid 136 is positioned parallel to linear ratcheting gear 118 (i.e., parallel to the direction of sliding motion of the ratcheting drawer).
- the engaging member 138 in FIG. 5 is connected to the solenoid 136 through a pivoting linkage 154 which translates the motion approximately 90°.
- a biasing member (not shown) in the form of a spring may also be provided to maintain the engaging member 138 in contact with the ratcheting member 118 when the solenoid 136 is not energized.
- the ratcheting member is normally engaged by the latching mechanism to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer beyond the current position. Then, when the controller obtains authorization for access to the one or more medical items stored in a particular bin 116 the controller 132 provides a signal to the latching mechanism 122 to disengage the ratcheting member 118 to expose the particular bin 116 of the particular drawer 104 .
- solenoid 136 is oriented to provide displacement of an engaging member 138 directly away from linear ratcheting gear 118 when the solenoid 136 is positioned perpendicular to the direction of sliding motion of ratcheting drawer (i.e., perpendicular to the linear ratcheting gear 118 ).
- the one-directional teeth 120 of linear ratcheting gear 118 have an engaging face 119 perpendicular to the direction of sliding motion of ratcheting drawer 104 and a sliding face 121 at a small angle to the to the direction of sliding motion of ratcheting drawer 104 to provide a mechanical advantage that allows the ratcheting drawer to be easily retracted.
- the engaging member 138 is disposed to engage the engaging face 119 of one of the one-directional teeth 120 when the solenoid 136 is de-energized.
- solenoid 136 When solenoid 136 is energized the plunger 137 of the solenoid 136 withdrawals the engaging member 138 from linear ratcheting gear 118 , allowing the ratcheting drawer 104 to slide open.
- the engaging member 138 may be a rotating wheel to provide minimal resistance to closing the ratcheting drawer by rolling on the sliding face 121 .
- one of the drawers 104 may be a return drawer.
- a return drawer is an empty drawer where medical items may be returned to the system, as opposed to containing a medical item for disbursement thereof.
- the control of return drawer system operates in the reverse manner as the standard distribution drawer.
- the controller 132 obtains a signal that a medical item is to be returned, the controller 132 provides a signal to the latching mechanism 122 to disengage the ratcheting member 118 to expose the next empty bin 116 in series adjacent the front of the drawer 104 for placement of a medical item to be returned therein.
- the bin is returned to an unexposed position, i.e. the bin and/or the drawer is closed, and the controller 132 does not allow exposure of the contents of that bin 116 until the controller receives a signal by an authorized user. The user may then provide a command to the system indicating that the specific medical item has been returned.
- a return storage device 160 is provided for controlling access to returned medical items in a medical facility.
- the return storage device 160 may be connected to the medical cart or some other fixture, or it may be a separate, stand-alone component.
- the return storage device 160 generally includes a housing 162 and a return bin 164 .
- the housing 162 has an interior 166 , a first aperture 168 , and a second aperture 170 .
- the first aperture 168 is located on a top or upper portion of the housing 162
- the second aperture 170 is located toward a bottom or lower portion of the housing 162 , well below the first aperture 168 .
- the first aperture 168 has a cover 172 which is operated by a solenoid (not shown) to provide controlled access to the interior of the housing 162 .
- the second aperture 170 has a locking door 171 covering it to control access to the interior 166 of the housing 162 . In one embodiment, access to unlock the locking door 171 is prevented by the cover 172 overlaying the lock of the locking door 171 .
- the return bin 164 is secured in the interior of the housing 162 , and the return bin 164 has a cavity 174 with an opening 176 .
- the return bin 164 is a drum.
- the return bin is movable in the interior 166 of the housing 162 to a plurality of positions. Two such positions include the first position 178 and the second position 180 (shown in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b ).
- the return bin 164 is movable through an actuator 182 , which may be mechanically driven or may be weight driven. Additionally, the return bin 164 may be moveable through a weight (not shown). Finally, the return bin 164 may be moveable through a combination of an actuator 164 and a separate weight.
- the actuator 182 is a linkage controlled with a solenoid (not shown).
- the actuator 182 and/or the weight (not shown) manipulate movement of the return bin 164 .
- all movement of the return bin 164 , including the actuator 182 , and the cover 172 of the housing is controlled by the controller, which may be the same controller 132 for the ratcheting drawer 104 .
- the return bin 164 is shown in the second position 180 .
- an exterior 184 of the return bin 164 mates with the first aperture 168 in the housing 162 to operatively close the interior of the housing 162 .
- gravity acts on the contents in the cavity 174 to all the contents of the cavity to be expelled into the interior 166 of the housing 162 .
- the return bin 164 may have a weight (not shown) to assist or provide movement of the return bin 164 from the second position 180 to the first position 178 such that motors, solenoids, springs, etc...
- the actuator 182 maintains the return bin 164 in the second position 180 when the cover 172 of the housing 162 is closed. Further, the actuator 182 assists in moving the return bin 164 from the first position 178 to the second position 180 after the cover 172 has been closed. In the second position 180 the cover 172 remains locked in the closed position by the solenoid (not shown).
- the return bin 164 is shown in the first position 178 .
- the opening 176 of the return bin 164 is positioned in-line or mating with the first aperture 168 in the housing 162 .
- the cover 172 of the housing only opens with the opening 176 of the return bin 168 mates with the first opening 176 .
- medical items can be deposited in the cavity 174 of the return bin 164 through the opening 176 .
- the weight manipulates movement of the return bin 164 from the second position 180 , or any other position, to the first position 178 .
- the movement is conducted through rotation of the return bin 164 .
- the actuator 182 may assist or provide movement of the return bin 164 to the first position 178 .
- the actuator 182 may be operatively connected to the cover 172 such that when the cover 172 opens, the weight and/or the actuator 182 has manipulated, or is manipulating, the return bin 164 to have the opening 176 in the cavity 174 mate with the first aperture 178 in the housing 162 , and such that when the cover 174 is closed, the actuator 182 manipulates the return bin 164 to have the exterior 184 covering the first aperture 178 to prevent access to the interior 166 of the housing 162 .
- a keyed lock (not shown) may be provided to override the controller for opening and closing the cover, especially during malfunction of the system or during a power failure.
Abstract
A device is provided for controlling access to medical items. At least one ratcheting drawer is provided having a plurality of bins adapted to hold the medical items and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened. A latching mechanism engages the ratcheting drawer to prevent the drawer from opening. A sensor detects the position of the drawer relative to the bins and, when access to the contents of a particular bin is authorized, the latching mechanism disengages until the specific bin is exposed, as determined by the sensor.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a device for storing and dispensing medical items, and more specifically to a storage device providing controlled access to the medical items.
- The present application claims priority from U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 60/377,027 filed Apr. 30, 2002; U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 60/376,625, filed Apr. 30, 2002; U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 60/376,655, filed Apr. 30, 2002; and U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 10/135,180 filed Apr. 30, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 10/059,929 filed Jan. 29, 2002, and incorporates such applications herein by reference.
- Additionally, the present application is being filed concurrently with and incorporates by reference the following applications: “Automated Messaging Center System and Method For Use With A Healthcare System” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5849 (1417G P 749)), Ser. No. ______; “System And Method For Obtaining Information From A Bar Code For Use With A Healthcare System” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5897 (1417G P 754)), Ser. No. ______; “Infusion Therapy Bar Coding System and Method” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5850 (01417GP0750)), Ser. No. ______; “System and Method for Providing Multiple Units of Measurement” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5851 (1417GP0751)), Ser. No. ______; “Nursing Order Workflow System and Method” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5899 (1417GP0756)), Ser. No. ______; “Healthcare Database Management Offline Backup and Synchronization System and Method” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5895 (1417G-P752)), Ser. No. ______; “Biometric Security For Access To A Storage Device For A Healthcare Facility” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5847 (1417G-P720)), Ser. No. ______; “System And Method For Supporting Clinical Decisions During Patient Care And Treatment” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5896 (1417G-P753)), Ser. No. ______; “System And Method For Facilitating Patient Care And Treatment” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5898 (1417G-P755)), Ser. No. ______; “System And Method For Facilitating Orders During Patient Care And Treatment” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5900 (1417G-P757)), Ser. No. ______; and, “Pharmacy System And Method” (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5901 (1417G-P758)), Ser. No. ______.
- Hospitals and other health care facilities commonly use locked cabinets to store and dispense medications and other medical items. Locked cabinets can provide efficient and accessible storage of medications and other medical items by using different shelves for storage of the different medical items. Additionally, locked drawers also prevent unauthorized access to the medications and other medical items. Such measures, while unfortunate, are typically provided in order to prevent theft of the medical items, particularly narcotics and other controlled substances. Sometimes, medication cabinets incorporate a computer or microprocessor to selectively provide access to a particular drawer in response to an input requesting a specific medication.
- Nevertheless, narcotics and other controlled substances require even a greater degree of access control. One approach to providing this control involves incorporating individually lockable bins in drawers containing narcotics or other controlled substances. This solution, however, presents a choice between storing a unit dose in each individually lockable bin, incurring considerable cost, or storing multiple doses in an individually lockable bin, affording reduced security.
- One approach to medication control is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,819, (issued to William K. Holmes and David R. Williams). The '819 patent discloses a device wherein the unit includes an engine and dispensing drawer operably connected in end-to-end fashion with a lead screw type of mechanism. The engine comprises a motor for retracting the drawer and a complex engagement mechanism designed to engage crosspieces disposed at intervals beneath the drawer. This approach, however has several potential disadvantages. First, the engine uses a substantial portion of the drawer depth, thereby reducing storage density, increasing the number of drawers required for a given quantity of medication, and increasing cost. Second, the numerous mechanical and electrical components of the engine and engagement mechanism also provide increased cost. Finally, the engagement mechanism is normally disengaged so that a power failure during operation could enable access to the entire drawer.
- Further, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,961,036, 5,957,372 and 6,073,834, commonly assigned to Diebold, Inc., disclose an apparatus and method for accepting return of unused medical items. The apparatus includes a return drawer and a retrieve drawer which are opened responsive to signals received from a display terminal networked with a computer. The return drawer includes a pocket that is accessible from outside of the housing when the return drawer is moved to an open position. The pocket includes an opening and is closed by a trap door when the return drawer is in the open position. Medical items to be returned are placed in the pocket and the return drawer is closed. Upon the closing of the return drawer the trap door is moved to an open position by an actuator. The return medical item passes from the pocket to a retrieve area in the retrieve drawer. Medical items are stored in the retrieve area until the retrieve drawer is controlled responsive to the input of data at the display terminal. Such a device, however, is expensive to manufacture and complicated to operate.
- Accordingly, an inexpensive and reliable drawer operating system that provides graduated access to a drawer so that items stored in the drawer may be extracted from the front of the drawer and access given to more rearward portions of the drawer only after inventories have been depleted is desired. Additionally, an inexpensive and reliable return system that allows users to deposit unused medical items, including medications such as narcotics, for safe return to authorized personnel, such as a pharmacist, is desired. Thus, the present invention is provided.
- The present invention provides a device for controlling access to medications and other medical items in various compartments of the drawer. The device comprises a ratcheting drawer and a latching mechanism. Generally, one or more ratcheting drawers are provided in modules which are placed in a cabinet. One type of cabinet is a moveable medication depot. The ratcheting drawer, or one or more modules containing a plurality of ratcheting drawers, is fitted within the cabinet.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, the ratcheting drawer has a ratcheting member that is connected to the drawer. The ratcheting member may include a series of one-directional teeth affixed to the ratcheting drawer. The ratcheting member is engaged by the latching mechanism for controlled access to the ratcheting drawer.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the latching mechanism is removably connected to the cabinet, or to the module connected to the cabinet. Additionally, the latching mechanism may also be a component of the drawer. The latching mechanism is configured to engage the ratcheting drawer at any of a plurality of positions to prevent the drawer from being opened beyond a specific position, while still allowing the drawer to be closed at any time. The latching mechanism may include a solenoid that receives a signal from a controller for engagement/disengagement with the ratcheting member. In one embodiment, the latching mechanism is adapted to engage one of the one-directional teeth to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer, while still allow closing of the drawer when engaged.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a controller is provided. The controller is operatively connected to the latching mechanism. The controller controls engagement of the ratcheting member by the latching mechanism. Additionally, the controller may receive signals from a computer as to which drawer to open, as well as how far to open each drawer to access a specific bin.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a sensor is provided. The sensor is operatively connected to the latching mechanism. The sensor senses the position of the drawer and sends a signal to the controller of the position of the ratcheting drawer. In one embodiment, the ratcheting drawer has markings thereon which are sensed by the sensor as the drawer moved in and out. The sensors may be fixedly mounted to the framework of the depot, to read the markings and to determine the absolute position of the ratcheting drawer.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the ratcheting drawer is divided into a plurality of bins adapted to hold the medical items. Generally, the bins are disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened. In one embodiment, the controller receives authorization for access to the medical items in the depot. The controller may determine which drawer and which bin to access. The controller also tracks which bins have been accessed and the position of the ratcheting drawer. Based on certain information, the controller typically allows access to the first bin of the ratcheting drawer containing one of the medical items, as opposed to the empty bins in front of that bin.
- According to another embodiment of the present invention, the latching mechanism is normally engaged with one of the series of one-directional teeth to prevent the ratcheting drawer from opening beyond its current position. Upon receipt of a signal, the controller disengages the latching mechanism until the ratcheting drawer is positioned to expose the bin authorized for access. When the sensor reads the marking that indicates that the ratcheting drawer is appropriately positioned (i.e., the authorized bin is exposed), the controller allows the latching mechanism to re-engage to prevent further withdrawal of the ratcheting drawer.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the particular bin authorized for access may be determined by a processing unit included in a cabinet or depot. Alternatively, a processing unit may be configured to authorize opening of a particular ratcheting drawer, and the ratcheting drawer assembly may comprise a controller which tracks the bins that were previously accessed and allows access to the next sequential bin.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, the ratcheting drawer is mounted in a module that is removably secured in the cabinet. Further a plurality of ratcheting drawers may be mounted in the module. The module is adapted to be removably inserted within a cabinet so that a variety of modules having various drawer configurations may be inserted in the cabinet.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a motorless device for controlling access to one or more medical items is provided. The motorless device comprises at least one ratcheting drawer with a plurality of bins adapted to hold medical items and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened, a sensor for determining a current position of the ratcheting drawer relative to the plurality bins, and a latching mechanism configured to engage the ratcheting drawer at any of a plurality of positions to prevent the drawer from opening beyond the current position while allowing the drawer to be closed. Further, a ratcheting mechanism is operatively connected to the drawer, and the ratcheting mechanism is selectively engaged by the latching mechanism.
- According to another embodiment, one of the drawers is a return drawer. The controller obtains a signal that a medical item is to be returned, the controller provides a signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the next empty bin in the series of bins for placement of a medical item to be returned therein. After the medical item to be returned is placed in the next empty bin, the bin is returned to an unexposed position. Further, the controller does not allow exposure of the contents of that bin until the controller receives a signal by an authorized user.
- According to another embodiment, a storage device for controlling access to returned medical items in a medical facility is provided. The storage device comprises a housing having a return bin secured in the interior of the housing. The return bin has a cavity with an opening, and the return bin is movable to a plurality of positions. The housing has a first aperture that mates with the opening in the return bin when the return bin is positioned in a first position. The housing also has a cover which overlays the first aperture in the housing to provide controlled access to the cavity of the return bin inside the housing. An actuator is provided and connected to the return bin. The actuator manipulates movement of the return bin. A controller electrically connected to the actuator provides the actuator with a signal for manipulating the return bin between the first and second positions. Additionally, the housing has a second aperture providing access to the interior of the housing. A locking door covers the second aperture to control access to the interior of the housing through the second aperture.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for securing access to medical items in a container is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a drawer having a unidirectional ratcheting member, providing a latching mechanism, providing a controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism, and sending a signal from the controller to the latching mechanism to manipulate the latching mechanism for controlling engagement of the latching mechanism with the ratcheting member. Additionally, a sensor may be provided and be operatively connected to the controller. The sensor senses a position of the drawer, and sends a signal from the sensor to the controller of the position of the drawer.
- According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of returning a medical item to the storage device is provided. The method comprises providing a housing having an interior and a return bin in the housing. The housing has a cover which is opened. When the cover is opened, the a cavity in the return bin is accessible through a first aperture in the housing. The medical items to be returned are then deposited within the cavity of the return bin, and the cover is closed. When the cover is closed an actuator manipulates the return bin from a first position to a second position when the cover is closed, to expel the contents of the items from the cavity into the interior of the housing. The contents in the interior of the housing can then be removed through a locking door.
- Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
- To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medication depot having a ratcheting drawer and a return storage system of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a module of ratcheting drawers of the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one ratcheting drawer of the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of one ratcheting drawer of the present invention;
- FIG. 5 is a partial top view of the framework of the ratcheting drawer assembly of FIG. 1, with one ratcheting drawer removed;
- FIG. 6A is a partial cut-away side elevation view of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 6B is top plan view of FIG. 6a;
- FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the latch mechanism of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 8A is a partial cut-away side elevation view of the return storage system of FIG. 1; and, FIG. 8B is a partial cut-away side elevation view of the return storage system of FIG. 1.
- While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosures are to be considered as exemplifications of the principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
- Referring now in detail to the Figures, and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a storage device in the form of a medical item/medication cabinet or
depot 100 for storing and dispensing medical items, such as medications, and for controlling and monitoring access to the medical items in thedepot 100. Themedication depot 100 may havewheels 101, and thus be moveable by a nurse or other clinician. Themedication depot 100 has a frame that includes one or more apertures configured to accommodatedrawer assemblies 102. Thedrawer assemblies 102 include adrawer 104 for storing and dispensing medical items. Thedrawer assemblies 102 may also include aframework 134. Thedrawers 104 may be provided as individual drawers of varying sizes. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, thedrawers 104 may be provided as interchangeablemodular units 108, having a plurality ofdrawers 104, that are inserted into thecabinet 100. Thedrawers 104 may be lockable. As described herein, any of thedrawers 104 may also be of the ratcheting type to control access to theindividual drawers 104, and to control access to various portions of each drawer. - As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the
medication depot 100 has an interchangeablemodular unit 108. The interchangeablemodular unit 108 comprises an array of ratcheting drawers 104 (i.e., five drawers wide and four drawers high, however, it is understood that themodule 108 can be of a variety of sizes to hold a variety of drawers 104). Themodular unit 108 is a retrofittable unit that may be inserted into a modular opening in thecabinet 100.Drawers 104 of varying sizes may be provided in themodules 108, anddifferent module units 108 may be interchangeably installed in the same opening of thecabinet 100. Thus, by combiningdrawer modules 108 with different types ofdrawers 104, amedication depot 100 may be assembled to provide a desired quantity of various size and various access-controllable drawers. For example, in themedication depot 100 of FIG. 1, onemodule 108 of ratchetingdrawers 104 is combined withstandard locking drawers 104 located below themodule unit 108. - As shown in FIG. 2, the
modular unit 108 is illustrated in a retracted position (i.e., prior to insertion or during removal of the modular unit 108), however, in FIG. 1 themodular unit 108 is shown in its fully seated position in thecabinet 100. Themodular unit 108 has slides 110, which are on the side of the modular unit in the embodiment illustrated. The slides 110 engage amating member 112 of thecabinet 100. As such, themodular unit 108 is easily insertable and removable from thecabinet 100. - FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one of the ratcheting
drawers 104 of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of theratcheting drawer 104, and FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of theratcheting drawer 104. As shown in these figures, theratcheting drawer 104 has a height (H), width (W) and depth (D). Theratcheting drawer 104 may further have a plurality ofdividers 114 which divide thedrawers 104 intoseparate bins 116 for storage of the medical items, including medications and controlled medications such as narcotics. Thedividers 114 allow thebins 116 to become exposed sequentially as thedrawer 104 is opened. Eachbin 116 is preferably configured to hold an individual item, and with respect to medication, eachbin 116 is preferably configured to hold a unit dose of the medication. The size ofbins 116 can be adjusted by repositioning thedividers 114 which are adapted to be adjustably positioned in thedrawer 104. - The
ratcheting drawer 104 has a ratchetingmember 118. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment the ratchetingmember 118 is a unidirectional member having a plurality ofteeth 120. The term unidirectional identifies that in one direction the ratchetingmember 118 does not prevent movement (i.e., thedrawer 104 may be pushed back into thecabinet 100 at any time), while in a second direction the ratchetingmember 118 may prevent movement if so engaged (i.e., thelatching mechanism 122 may engage the ratchetingmember 118 to stop thedrawer 104 from further outward movement). - As shown in FIG. 4, the ratcheting
member 118 is a linear ratcheting gear, however, it is understood that other mechanical and electrical configurations are interchangeable for thelinear ratcheting gear 118. Thelinear ratcheting gear 118 comprises a series of one-directional or one-way teeth 120. Thelinear ratcheting gear 118 having the one-directional teeth 120 is disposed on thedrawer 104 such that the assembly resists extension of the drawer 104 (movement from back to front) when engaged, but yet still allows retraction of the drawer 104 (movement of the drawer from front to back) when engaged. - The ratcheting
member 118 may be formed in a “U” shape as shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment illustrated, the ratchetingmember 118 is disposed on the bottom surface of ratchetingdrawer 104, and is affixed to ratchetingdrawer 104 with the use of screws, rivets, welding, brazing, or other attachment means known in the art. - The
ratcheting drawer 104 further has afirst mating member 124 to physically support theratcheting drawer 104 and to assist theratcheting drawer 104 to be slidingly opened and closed. The first mating member engages asecond mating member 126 for guiding and supporting thedrawer 104 as thedrawer 104 is extended and retracted. Typically, thesecond mating member 126 is fixedly mounted within themedication depot 100 by being affixed to either theframework 134 of thedrawer assembly 102, the framework of themodular unit 108, or themedication cabinet 100 itself. In the embodiment illustrated, thesecond mating member 126 is affixed to theframework 134 of thedrawer assembly 102, however, it may also be affixed to either thecabinet 102 or themodular unit 108. Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated, thefirst mating member 124 is centrally disposed on the bottom surface of theratcheting drawer 104 adjacent the ratchetingmember 118. Further, in the embodiment illustrated thefirst mating member 124 comprises a channel or rail and thesecond mating member 124 comprises a slide member (it is understood that these components may be reversed). Thefirst mating member 124 freely and slidingly engages thesecond mating member 126 for providing sliding movement of thedrawer 104. It should be understood that while the first and second mating members are illustrated and described as a rail and slide engagement mechanism in the figures, other mating configurations known in the art are contemplated and are within the scope of the present invention. - As best shown in FIG. 4, the
ratcheting drawer 104 also hasmarkings 128 thereon. Typically, themarkings 128 are located on the bottom of thedrawer 104 opposing the ratchetingmember 118, however themarkings 128 may also be placed at other locations. Themarkings 128 are configured to provide data to asensor 130 for determining the position of thedrawer 104. Further, themarkings 128 may indicate the currentlyaccessible bin 116. In the disclosed embodiment, themarkings 128 comprise binary marking stickers (i.e., stickers where each of a series of positions is either light or dark to provide a binary data word), however, other markings or types of indicators are understood by those in the art. Themarkings 128 extend about the entire depth (D) of thedrawer 104 to provide positioning information about the entire depth (D) of thedrawer 104. - As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
sensor 130 is provided for determining the position of thedrawer 104. Thesensor 130 may be an optical sensor, such as a binary optical sensor, or it may be any other type of sensor know in the art. Thesensor 130 is positioned to read themarkings 128 disposed on theratcheting drawer 104. As theratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted, themarkings 128 are sensed and sequentially read bysensor 130. Thesensor 130 then transmits data or other signals to acontroller 132, or to a central processing unit that controls thecontroller 132, corresponding to the sensed information from themarkings 128, and indicative of the position of thedrawer 104. Typically, thesensor 130 is affixed to either theframework 134 of thedrawer assembly 102, the framework of themodular unit 108, or themedication cabinet 100 itself. In the specific embodiment illustrated, thesensor 130 is affixed to theframework 134 of thedrawer assembly 102. Thesensor 130 remains stationary as theratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted. Affixing the electronic components in a stationary position enhances the reliability of the system. - The
markings 128 for thedrawer 104 are calibrated to allowcontroller 132 to properly control access to theratcheting drawer 104. Typically, calibration is conducted by calibrating themarkings 128 to the one-directional ratcheting member 118 and to thebins 116. This calibration may be consummated by physical alignment of themarkings 128 with the one-directional ratcheting member 118 and thebins 116, by software embedded incontroller 132, or by a combination thereof. - As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
drawer assembly 102 for the ratchetingdrawers 104 also includes alatching mechanism 122. Thelatching mechanism 122 controllably engages the ratchetingmember 118. Typically, thelatching mechanism 122 is affixed to either theframework 134 of thedrawer assembly 102, the framework of themodular unit 108, or themedication cabinet 100 itself. In the specific embodiment illustrated, thelatching mechanism 122 is affixed to theframework 134 of thedrawer assembly 102. As such, thelatching mechanism 122 remains stationary as theratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted. Generally, when the ratchetingdrawers 104 are separate from amodular unit 108, thelatching mechanism 122 is a component of the assembly of the ratchetingdrawers 104. Additionally, when the ratchetingdrawers 104 are part of themodular unit 108, thelatching mechanism 122 is also a component of theassembly 102 of the ratchetingdrawers 104, however, in this configuration the latchingassembly 122 is also a component of themodule unit 108. - As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, one embodiment the
latching mechanism 122 comprises asolenoid 136 having an engagingmember 138. Thesolenoid 136 is operatively connected to thecontroller 132. The engagingmember 138 operatively engages the ratchetingmember 118 to prevent outward movement of thedrawer 104. Thelatching mechanism 122 is normally engaged withlinear ratcheting gear 118. Accordingly, when engagingmember 138 of thelatching mechanism 122 is engaged withlinear ratcheting gear 118, theratcheting drawer 104 is prevented from being further extended. When the engagingmember 138 of thelatching mechanism 122 is released from thelinear ratcheting gear 118, however, an authorized operator, such as a nurse, may extend theratcheting drawer 104 until the authorized one of thebins 116 is exposed. Typically, when thelatching mechanism 122 releases adrawer 104, the drawer can be extended only onebin 116 length. At that point, thesensor 130 senses the position of thedrawer 104 and thecontroller 132 transmits a signal to thelatching mechanism 122 to engage thelinear ratcheting gear 118 so that thedrawer 104 cannot be extended further to prevent access toadditional bins 116, if so required. Theratcheting drawer 104, however, may be closed while thelatching mechanism 122 is engaged with theratcheting mechanism 118. As such, thecontroller 132 controls engagement of the ratchetingmember 118 by thelatching mechanism 122. And, the present invention provides access to a first full one of the bins upon each successive authorization, whereupon the medical item in the one of the bins is withdrawn by the medication depot operator, and the next one of the bins becomes the first full one of the bins. - As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an
ejection mechanism 140 is provided in theratcheting drawer assembly 102. In the embodiment illustrated, theejection mechanism 140 is affixed to theframework 134, however it may also be affixed to other stationary items such as themodular unit 108 or thecabinet 100. Theejection mechanism 140 may comprise, for example, aspring 142 and apusher 146, whereby thespring 142 applies a force to thepusher 146 relative to a fixed point of themedication depot 100 structural framework. As such, when thedrawer 104 is in the fully closed position and thecontroller 132 sends a signal to thelatching mechanism 122 to disengage the ratchetingmember 118 to open the drawer, theejection mechanism 140 provides an initial force to slide thedrawer 104 to a slightly open position, providing a visual indication of the correct drawer to be accessed for authorized removal of the medical item. - The
controller 132 is configured to receive an authorization signal from either a central computer or processor (not shown) or a local computer orprocessor 148. The signal may be, for example, a data signal corresponding to a specific one of the bins (210 in FIG. 2) that a user, such as a nurse, is authorized to access. Typically, thecontroller 132 includes a printed circuit board and has software or controls which receives data, interprets data and performs routines with the data to develop output, and it also transmits the output. Further, thecontroller 132 may store data and/or output. The signal may also correspond to aparticular ratcheting drawer 104, all of whose bins hold unit doses of one particular medication, or a particular medication stored in one or more ratcheting drawers. Thecontroller 132 may be hardwired to the central computer and/orlocal processor 148. In one embodiment thecontroller 132 receives a remote signal, typically via a radio frequency (RF) signal from the central processor. With remote use, thecabinet 100 generally has a transmitter/receiver (not shown) which can receive and transmit RF and other type signals with the central processor. In one embodiment thecontroller 132 is a separate unit from thelocal processor 148. In another embodiment, thecontroller 132 and thelocal processor 148 are integral as in FIG. 1. - When the authorization signal corresponds to a particular drawer or medication, the
controller 132 may be configured to track whichbins 116 of theratcheting drawer 104 or ratchetingdrawers 104 have been accessed. As explained above, the authorization signal may be provided, for example, by the central processor. Additionally, the authorization signal may be provided by a local computer orprocessor 148. Typically, the central processor controls both thelocal processor 148 and thecontroller 132. Both the central processor unit and thelocal processor unit 148 interfaces with data files of the medical center and pharmacy. Patient or medication data can be entered into the system at any location, including at thelocal processing unit 148 via an interface, such as a scanner 150 (e.g., by scanning a patient identification strap) or a keyboard 152 (e.g., by entering a patient identification code or a medication code). Thelocal processing unit 148 receives the patient or medication data, verifies access authorization (e.g., by matching a prescription file with patient identification data, and matching a personnel identification with a medication control level) and provides a control signal that unlocks a particular one ofdrawers 104 for which access has been authorized. - As explained above, the
controller 132 is electrically connected to and configured to receive a signal from thesensor 130 indicating the position of theratcheting drawer 104. Further, thecontroller 132 tracks which bins have been accessed and the position of theratcheting drawer 104. As such, thecontroller 132 typically only allows access to thefirst bin 116 of theratcheting drawer 104 containing one of the medical items. When thecontroller 132 receives a certain authorization signal, it energizes thesolenoid 136, releasing the engagingmember 138 of thelatching mechanism 122. Thelatching mechanism 122 is normally engaged withlinear ratcheting gear 118 attached to thedrawer 104. Accordingly, when latchingmechanism 122 is engaged withlinear ratcheting gear 118, it prevents theratcheting drawer 104 from being further extended. When latchingmechanism 122 releases theratcheting gear 118, however, an authorized operator, such as a nurse, pulling on thedrawer 104 may extend theratcheting drawer 104 from thecabinet 100. Further, when thelatching mechanism 122 releases theratcheting gear 118 in the fully closed position the spring mechanism above provides an initial force to at least partially open thedrawer 104. Then, when theratcheting drawer 104 approaches a position exposing the authorizedbin 116, as indicated bysensor 130 reading themarkings 128,controller 132 de-energizes solenoid 136, andlatching mechanism 122 re-engages theratcheting mechanism 118 to prevent thedrawer 104 from being opened further. - In the embodiment illustrated, all electronic components of the ratcheting drawer assembly102 (i.e.,
sensor 130,controller 132, and solenoid 136) are affixed to some framework and remain stationary as theratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted. Affixing the electronic components in a stationary position will enhance the reliability of the system in comparison to devices that incorporate moving electronic components. As shown in FIG. 6, thelatching mechanism 122 and thesensor 130 are positioned generally below the top ofsecond mating member 126. Thesensor 130 and the components of thelatching mechanism 122 have a height such that they can be positioned below theratcheting drawer 104 and still leave sufficient height for thebins 116 of theratcheting drawer 104 to contain medical items. Therefore, essentially the full depth D of the drawer may comprisestorage bins 116. Using the full depth of thedrawer 104 for storage increases the number ofbins 116 that are provided in adrawer 104 of a given depth, and increases storage density which is an important attribute of medication depots. - FIGS. 5 and 7 show
alternative latching mechanisms 122, respectively accommodating different orientations ofsolenoid 136. In FIG. 5, thesolenoid 136 is oriented to provide displacement of the engagingmember 138. Thesolenoid 136 is positioned parallel to linear ratcheting gear 118 (i.e., parallel to the direction of sliding motion of the ratcheting drawer). The engagingmember 138 in FIG. 5 is connected to thesolenoid 136 through a pivotinglinkage 154 which translates the motion approximately 90°. A biasing member (not shown) in the form of a spring may also be provided to maintain the engagingmember 138 in contact with the ratchetingmember 118 when thesolenoid 136 is not energized. As such, the ratcheting member is normally engaged by the latching mechanism to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer beyond the current position. Then, when the controller obtains authorization for access to the one or more medical items stored in aparticular bin 116 thecontroller 132 provides a signal to thelatching mechanism 122 to disengage the ratchetingmember 118 to expose theparticular bin 116 of theparticular drawer 104. - In FIG. 7,
solenoid 136 is oriented to provide displacement of an engagingmember 138 directly away fromlinear ratcheting gear 118 when thesolenoid 136 is positioned perpendicular to the direction of sliding motion of ratcheting drawer (i.e., perpendicular to the linear ratcheting gear 118). The one-directional teeth 120 oflinear ratcheting gear 118 have anengaging face 119 perpendicular to the direction of sliding motion of ratchetingdrawer 104 and a slidingface 121 at a small angle to the to the direction of sliding motion of ratchetingdrawer 104 to provide a mechanical advantage that allows the ratcheting drawer to be easily retracted. In the latching mechanisms illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the engagingmember 138 is disposed to engage theengaging face 119 of one of the one-directional teeth 120 when thesolenoid 136 is de-energized. When solenoid 136 is energized theplunger 137 of thesolenoid 136 withdrawals the engagingmember 138 fromlinear ratcheting gear 118, allowing theratcheting drawer 104 to slide open. The engagingmember 138 may be a rotating wheel to provide minimal resistance to closing the ratcheting drawer by rolling on the slidingface 121. - Further, one of the
drawers 104 may be a return drawer. A return drawer is an empty drawer where medical items may be returned to the system, as opposed to containing a medical item for disbursement thereof. Typically, the control of return drawer system operates in the reverse manner as the standard distribution drawer. As such, when thecontroller 132 obtains a signal that a medical item is to be returned, thecontroller 132 provides a signal to thelatching mechanism 122 to disengage the ratchetingmember 118 to expose the nextempty bin 116 in series adjacent the front of thedrawer 104 for placement of a medical item to be returned therein. After the medical item to be returned is placed in the nextempty bin 116, the bin is returned to an unexposed position, i.e. the bin and/or the drawer is closed, and thecontroller 132 does not allow exposure of the contents of thatbin 116 until the controller receives a signal by an authorized user. The user may then provide a command to the system indicating that the specific medical item has been returned. - As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8a-8 b, a
return storage device 160 is provided for controlling access to returned medical items in a medical facility. Thereturn storage device 160 may be connected to the medical cart or some other fixture, or it may be a separate, stand-alone component. Thereturn storage device 160 generally includes ahousing 162 and areturn bin 164. Thehousing 162 has an interior 166, afirst aperture 168, and asecond aperture 170. Typically, thefirst aperture 168 is located on a top or upper portion of thehousing 162, and thesecond aperture 170 is located toward a bottom or lower portion of thehousing 162, well below thefirst aperture 168. Thefirst aperture 168 has acover 172 which is operated by a solenoid (not shown) to provide controlled access to the interior of thehousing 162. Thesecond aperture 170 has a lockingdoor 171 covering it to control access to theinterior 166 of thehousing 162. In one embodiment, access to unlock the lockingdoor 171 is prevented by thecover 172 overlaying the lock of the lockingdoor 171. - The
return bin 164 is secured in the interior of thehousing 162, and thereturn bin 164 has acavity 174 with anopening 176. In one embodiment, thereturn bin 164 is a drum. The return bin is movable in theinterior 166 of thehousing 162 to a plurality of positions. Two such positions include thefirst position 178 and the second position 180 (shown in FIGS. 8a and 8 b). Thereturn bin 164 is movable through anactuator 182, which may be mechanically driven or may be weight driven. Additionally, thereturn bin 164 may be moveable through a weight (not shown). Finally, thereturn bin 164 may be moveable through a combination of anactuator 164 and a separate weight. In one embodiment, theactuator 182 is a linkage controlled with a solenoid (not shown). Theactuator 182 and/or the weight (not shown) manipulate movement of thereturn bin 164. Typically, all movement of thereturn bin 164, including theactuator 182, and thecover 172 of the housing is controlled by the controller, which may be thesame controller 132 for theratcheting drawer 104. - As shown in FIG. 8a the
return bin 164 is shown in thesecond position 180. In thesecond position 180, and typically in any position other than thefirst position 178, anexterior 184 of thereturn bin 164 mates with thefirst aperture 168 in thehousing 162 to operatively close the interior of thehousing 162. Further, in thesecond position 180, with theopening 176 of thereturn bin 164 facing downward, gravity acts on the contents in thecavity 174 to all the contents of the cavity to be expelled into theinterior 166 of thehousing 162. Thereturn bin 164 may have a weight (not shown) to assist or provide movement of thereturn bin 164 from thesecond position 180 to thefirst position 178 such that motors, solenoids, springs, etc... are not required. Theactuator 182, however, maintains thereturn bin 164 in thesecond position 180 when thecover 172 of thehousing 162 is closed. Further, theactuator 182 assists in moving thereturn bin 164 from thefirst position 178 to thesecond position 180 after thecover 172 has been closed. In thesecond position 180 thecover 172 remains locked in the closed position by the solenoid (not shown). - As shown in FIG. 8b, the
return bin 164 is shown in thefirst position 178. In thefirst position 178 theopening 176 of thereturn bin 164 is positioned in-line or mating with thefirst aperture 168 in thehousing 162. Typically, thecover 172 of the housing only opens with theopening 176 of thereturn bin 168 mates with thefirst opening 176. In this position medical items can be deposited in thecavity 174 of thereturn bin 164 through theopening 176. To position thereturn bin 164 in thefirst position 178, the weight manipulates movement of thereturn bin 164 from thesecond position 180, or any other position, to thefirst position 178. As explained above, in one embodiment the movement is conducted through rotation of thereturn bin 164. Alternatively, theactuator 182 may assist or provide movement of thereturn bin 164 to thefirst position 178. Theactuator 182 may be operatively connected to thecover 172 such that when thecover 172 opens, the weight and/or theactuator 182 has manipulated, or is manipulating, thereturn bin 164 to have theopening 176 in thecavity 174 mate with thefirst aperture 178 in thehousing 162, and such that when thecover 174 is closed, theactuator 182 manipulates thereturn bin 164 to have the exterior 184 covering thefirst aperture 178 to prevent access to theinterior 166 of thehousing 162. - Additionally, a keyed lock (not shown) may be provided to override the controller for opening and closing the cover, especially during malfunction of the system or during a power failure.
- It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.
Claims (58)
1. A storage device for controlling access to medical items held in the storage device, comprising:
a drawer having a ratcheting member, a latching mechanism controllably engaging the ratcheting member, a sensor for determining a position of the drawer, and a controller electrically connected to the sensor and the latching mechanism, the controller receiving a position signal from the sensor, and the controller providing a control signal to the latching mechanism to manipulate the latching mechanism for controlling movement of the drawer.
2. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the ratcheting member has a plurality of unidirectional teeth.
3. The storage device of claim 2 , wherein the teeth of the ratcheting member are one-way teeth.
4. The storage device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one divider in the drawer, the at least one divider separating the drawer into a plurality of bins.
5. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the latching mechanism comprises a solenoid having an engaging member, the engaging member contacting the ratcheting member to prevent exterior movement of the drawer.
6. The storage device of claim 1 , further comprising markings on the drawer, the sensor sensing the markings to determine the position of the drawer, and the sensor providing signals to the controller of the position of the drawer.
7. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the latching mechanism comprises a linear ratcheting gear.
8. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the drawer has a first member that slidingly engages a mating member for providing sliding movement of the drawer.
9. The storage device of claim 8 , wherein the mating member is connected to a framework.
10. The storage device of claim 9 , further comprising a drawer module, and wherein the framework is a component of the drawer module.
11. The storage device of claim 10 , wherein the drawer module in removably secured in a cabinet, the cabinet being moveable.
12. The storage device of claim 1 , further comprising an interchangeable module, and wherein a plurality of drawers are positioned in the module.
13. The storage device of claim 12 , further comprising a cabinet, the interchangeable module being removably mounted in the cabinet.
14. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the cabinet is moveable.
15. The storage device of claim 1 , further comprising a stationary cabinet housing the drawer, and wherein the stationary cabinet is adapted to be connected in series to at least one additional stationary cabinet.
16. A storage device for controlling access to one or more medical items in the storage device, comprising:
a cabinet, a ratcheting drawer fitted within the cabinet, the ratcheting drawer having a ratcheting member, a latching mechanism engaging the ratcheting mechanism, and the ratcheting member adapted to resist opening and allow closing of the drawer when engaged by the latching mechanism.
17. The storage device of claim 16 , further comprising a controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism, the controller controlling engagement of the ratcheting member by the latching mechanism.
18. The storage device of claim 17 , further comprising a sensor operatively connected to the latching mechanism, the sensor sending a signal to the controller of the position of the ratcheting drawer.
19. The storage device of claim 18 , further comprising optical markings on the ratcheting drawer, the sensor sensing the markings.
20. The storage device of claim 16 , wherein the ratcheting drawer has a plurality of bins adapted to hold the medical items and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened.
21. The storage device of claim 17 , wherein the ratcheting drawer has a plurality of bins, wherein the controller receives authorization for access to the medical items in the ratcheting drawer, wherein the controller tracks which bins have been accessed and the position of the ratcheting drawer, and wherein the controller allowing access to the first bin of the ratcheting drawer containing one of the medical items.
22. The storage device of claim 16 , wherein the ratcheting drawer has a framework, wherein the latching mechanism is connected to the cabinet through the framework, and wherein the ratcheting drawer and the framework are removably secured in an aperture of the cabinet.
23. The storage device of claim 16 , further comprising a plurality of ratcheting drawers in the cabinet, each of the ratcheting drawers having a ratcheting member engaging a separate latching mechanism to independently resist opening and allow closing of the drawer when engaged by the separate latching member.
24. The storage device of claim 23 , wherein the plurality of ratcheting drawers comprise a module that can be interchangeably installed in the cabinet.
25. The storage device at claim 16 , wherein the latching mechanism is stationary within the cabinet, and wherein the latching mechanism does not move with the ratcheting drawer.
26. The storage device of claim 16 , wherein the ratcheting member is a unidirectional ratcheting member having a plurality of one-way teeth.
27. A storage device for containing and controlling distribution of medical items stored in the storage device, comprising:
a cabinet having at least one ratcheting drawer with a plurality of bins, each bin extending substantially about a width of the drawer, and the bins extending in series from a front of the drawer to a rear of the drawer, wherein the bins are adapted to hold medical items and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened, the ratcheting drawer having a ratcheting member with a plurality of one-way teeth, the ratcheting drawer further having a plurality of position indicators thereon, the position indicators being positioned on the drawer relative to the plurality of bins in the drawer;
a sensor adjacent the position indicators on the ratcheting drawer, the sensor providing a signal of the indicator adjacent the sensor to assist in determining a current position of the ratcheting drawer relative to the plurality bins;
a latching mechanism configured to engage the ratcheting member any of a plurality of positions to prevent the ratcheting drawer from opening a controlled distance beyond the current position, while allowing the drawer to be closed at any time; and,
a controller operatively connected to the sensor and the latching mechanism, wherein the ratcheting member is normally engaged by the latching mechanism to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer beyond the current position, and wherein when the controller obtains authorization for access to the one or more medical items stored in a particular bin the controller provides a signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the particular bin of the particular drawer.
28. The storage device of claim 27 , wherein the ratcheting member is mounted to the ratcheting drawer.
29. The storage device of claim 27 , wherein the ratcheting drawer is mounted in a module that is removably secured in the cabinet.
30. The storage device of claim 29 , wherein a plurality of ratcheting drawers are mounted in the module, and wherein the removable module is adapted to be removably inserted within a cabinet.
31. The storage device of claim 27 , wherein as a signal is provided to access a bin of a particular drawer, the controller provides a signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the next occupied bin in the series of bins in the particular drawer.
32. The storage device of claim 27 , wherein one of the drawers is a return drawer, wherein the controller obtains a signal that a medical item is to be returned, and wherein the controller provides a signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the next empty bin in series adjacent the front of the drawer for placement of a medical item to be returned therein, and after the medical item to be returned is placed in the next empty bin and the bin is returned to an unexposed position, the controller does not allow exposure of the contents of that bin until the controller receives a signal by an authorized user.
33. The storage device of claim 27 , further comprising a return depot connected to the cabinet, the return depot comprising a housing having an interior, the housing having an aperture providing access to the interior of the housing, and a locking door covering the aperture to control access to the interior of the housing through the aperture, a return bin secured in an interior of the housing, the return bin having a cavity with an opening, the return bin being movable into a plurality of positions, another aperture in the housing mating with the opening in the return bin when the return bin is positioned in a first position, a cover secured to the housing and overlaying the another aperture in the housing, the covering providing controlled access to the return bin inside the housing, an actuator connected to the return bin, the actuator manipulating movement of the return bin, and a controller electrically connected to the actuator to provide the actuator with a signal for manipulating the return bin.
34. A storage device for controlling access to returned medical items in a medical facility, comprising:
a housing having an interior;
a return bin secured in the interior of the housing, the return bin having a cavity with an opening, the return bin being movable to a plurality of positions;
a first aperture in the housing, the first aperture mating with the opening in the return bin when the return bin is positioned in a first position;
a cover secured to the housing and overlaying the first aperture in the housing, the covering providing controlled access to the cavity of the return bin inside the housing;
an actuator connected to the return bin, the actuator manipulating movement of the return bin; and,
a controller electrically connected to the actuator to provide the actuator with a signal for manipulating the return bin.
35. The storage device of claim 34 , further comprising a moveable medical item distribution cart, wherein the housing is mounted to the moveable medical item distribution cart.
36. The storage device of claim 34 , further comprising a second aperture in the housing providing access to the interior of the housing, and a locking door covering the second aperture to control access to the interior of the housing through the second aperture.
37. The storage device of claim 34 , wherein the return bin is moveable to a second position, wherein an exterior of the return bin mates with the first aperture in the housing to operatively close the first aperture when the return bin is in the second position, and wherein the cavity of the return bin is open to the interior of the housing to allow the contents of the cavity to be expelled into the interior of the housing when the return bin is located in the second position.
38. The storage device of claim 34 , further comprising a weight in the return bin, the weight assisting manipulation of the return bin from the second position to the first position.
39. The storage device of claim 34 , wherein the first aperture is positioned in a first location on the housing, and wherein the second aperture is positioned in a second location on the housing below the first location.
40. The storage device of claim 34 , wherein the first aperture in the housing is located in a upper portion of the housing, and wherein the second aperture in the housing is located in an lower portion of the housing.
41. The storage device of claim 34 , wherein the actuator is engaged to manipulate movement of the return bin when the cover is opened.
42. The storage device of claim 34 , wherein the actuator has a linkage which rotates the return bin from the first position to the second position.
43. The storage device of claim 42 , wherein the return bin rotates from the second position to the first position when the cover is allowed to open.
44. The storage device of claim 41 , further comprising a solenoid to open the cover.
45. The storage device of claim 36 , wherein the actuator is operatively connected to the cover such that as the cover opens the actuator manipulates the return bin to have the opening in the cavity of the return bin mate with the first aperture in the housing, and when the cover is closed the actuator manipulates the return bin to have the exterior of the return bin operatively close the first aperture in the housing.
46. The storage device of claim 34 , wherein the return bin is a cylindrical drum that rotates within the interior of the housing.
47. The storage device of claim 34 , further providing a lock to override the controller for opening and closing the cover.
48. The storage device of claim 35 , further providing a lock to open and close the locking door to control access to the interior of the housing for removing the medical items therein.
49. A method for securing access to medical items in a container, comprising the steps of:
providing a drawer having a unidirectional ratcheting member;
providing a latching mechanism;
providing a controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism;
sending a signal from the controller to the latching mechanism to manipulate the latching mechanism for controlling engagement of the latching mechanism with the ratcheting member.
50. The method for securing access to medical items in a container of claim 49 , further comprising the steps of:
providing a sensor, the sensor being operatively connected to the controller;
sensing a position of the drawer; and,
sending a signal from the sensor to the controller of the position of the drawer.
51. The method for securing access to medical items in a container of claim 50 , further comprising the steps of:
providing at least one divider in the drawer, the at least one divider separating the drawer into a plurality of bins;
receiving authorization from the controller to access a particular bin;
disengaging the latching mechanism to expose the particular bin; and,
engaging the latching mechanism when the particular bin exposed.
52. A method of returning a medical item to the storage device, comprising the steps of:
providing a drawer having a unidirectional ratcheting member operatively engaging the unidirectional ratcheting member;
providing a latching mechanism;
providing a controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism;
providing a command to the controller that a medical item is to be returned;
sending a signal from the controller to the latching mechanism to manipulate engagement of the latching mechanism with the ratcheting member for providing controlled opening of the drawer;
depositing the medical item to be returned in the open drawer; and,
closing the drawer.
53. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device of claim 52 , further comprising the steps of:
providing at least one divider in the drawer, the at least one divider separating the drawer into a plurality of bins;
providing a sensor, the sensor being operatively connected to the controller;
receiving authorization from the controller to access a particular bin for returning a medical item, the particular bin to be accessed being the next available bin positioned sequentially closer to a front of the drawer;
sending a signal from the sensor to the controller of the position of the drawer;
disengaging the latching mechanism to expose the next available bin positioned sequentially closer to the front of the drawer;
engaging the latching mechanism when the particular bin exposed;
depositing the medical item to be returned in the open bin of the drawer; and,
closing the drawer.
54. A method of returning a medical item to the storage device, comprising the steps of:
providing a housing having an interior, the housing having a first aperture;
providing a return bin secured in the interior of the housing, the return bin having a cavity with an opening, the return bin being movable to a plurality of positions, the opening of the cavity mating with the first aperture of the housing when the return bin is positioned in a first position;
providing a cover controllably overlaying the first aperture in the housing;
providing an actuator connected to the return bin, the actuator manipulating movement of the return bin;
providing a controller electrically connected to the actuator;
providing a command to the controller that a medical item is to be returned;
opening the cover;
depositing the medical item to be returned within the cavity of the return bin; and,
closing the cover.
55. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device of claim 54 , further comprising the steps of:
providing the actuator with a signal for manipulating the return bin;
having the actuator manipulate the return bin from a second position, wherein an exterior of the return bin mates with the first aperture in the housing, to a first position, wherein the opening of the cavity of the return bin mates with the first aperture in the housing; and,
having the actuator manipulate the return bin from the second position to the first position when the cover is opened.
56. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device of claim 55 , further comprising the steps of:
having the actuator manipulate the return bin from the first position to the second position when the cover is closed, to expel the contents of the items in the cavity.
57. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device of claim 54 , further comprising the steps of:
providing a solenoid engaging the cover;
providing a signal from the controller to the solenoid to charge the solenoid;
having the charged solenoid unlock the cover.
58. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device of claim 54 , further comprising the steps of:
providing a second aperture in the housing;
providing a locking door covering the second aperture;
unlocking the locking door and opening the locking door;
emptying the contents of the interior of the housing; and,
closing and locking the locking door.
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