WO2001063572A1

WO2001063572A1 - Programmable medication dispensing

Info

Publication number: WO2001063572A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/005040
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Crandall; Brian Havlovick
Original assignee: Michael Crandall
Priority date: 2000-02-23
Filing date: 2001-02-16
Publication date: 2001-08-30
Also published as: AU2001241519A1

Abstract

A medication dispensing apparatus includes a medication magazine (26) to store medication in a plurality of compartments (28). The magazine (26) dispenses medication to a container (16). There is a user interface (18) including a display (20) and a keypad control panel (22). The dispensing apparatus includes at least one shutter (38, 40) disposed between the magazine (26) and the container (16). The shutters (38, 40) are operated by a pair of respective solenoids (42, 44) that are actuated by a control system (24).

Description

PROGRAMMABLE MEDICATION DISPENSING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to automatically dispensing medication in predetermined dosages. More specifically, the present invention relates to a programmable apparatus for dispensing medication dosages at predetermined intervals, and for retrievably recording the dispensing medication and the removal of dispensed medication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Medical advances have resulted in a plethora of medications effective in treating illnesses or in reducing the impact of symptoms of illnesses. It is not uncommon for individuals to have concurrent prescriptions for dosages of several different medications. Keeping track of the timing and quantity of medication to be taken is frequently a daunting task for a patient, a task made even more challenging by the presence of illness.

It is not surprising, therefore, that automatic dispensing of medications has been the subject of a high degree of inventive activity. One example of such activity is U.S. Patent No. 4,838,453 to Luckstead, which is directed to a pill dispenser of the disc or carousel type and has a base provided with a flat top over which the disc is superimposed so that the bottom face of the disc is so closely proximate to the top face of the base as to prevent the gravitational escape of pills, tablets, capsules, etc. from vertical pill containing pockets in the disc except via a controlled radial slot having a gate timed with rotation of the disc on the basis of a predetermined number of dosage periods per day and a predetermined number of days according to a power source in the form of a clock motor, for example. In a preferred form of the invention the gate-controlled slot depends upon the spirally arranged pattern of the dosage pockets and the gate moves in the slot in accordance with a like spiral track. Each pocket is capable of containing a plurality of pills; e.g., in instances in which multiple pills of different types are prescribed.

U.S Patent No. 4,674,651 to Seidmore discusses apparatus for dispensing pills wherein a rotating annular element includes a number of compartments for receiving pills. When a compartment is above an opening in the base, the pills fall into a chute and are dispensed. A pin is associated with each compartment and is placed in an activated position when pills are loaded into the compartment. When the compartment is above the dispensing opening, a pin engages a microswitch which activates audio and visual alarms. The alarms are deactivated by depressing a shut-off switch which operates a delay-type relay. A trapdoor is rotatably mounted beneath the dispensing opening and is operated by the lid of the apparatus so that in the loading position, the dispensing opening is locked.

U.S Patent No.4, 573,606 to Lewis discloses an automatic pill dispenser for dispensing medical pills having different prescribed administration schedules and includes a plurality of pill storage compartments each capable of holding more than one pill, an automatic release mechanism for dispensing pills at predetermined time intervals corresponding with their respective administration schedules, and a pill receptacle coupled to a pill detector such that a pill dispensed from the pill dispenser and received by the receptacle causes the pill dispenser to generate a signal to alert the patient to take the dispensed medicine.

U.S. Patent No. 3,727,794 to DiFranco is directed to automatic reminder dispensing memoranda at preselected intervals comprising a constant-speed, substantially-horizontally-rotating drum, said rotating drum being of cylindrical shape and having an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall, the space between said walls being divided by spaced axial walls defining memoranda receiving pockets, a stationary bottom having an opening therein of at least the distance between said cylindrical walls and in cooperation with said spaced axial walls, said rotating drum being spaced slightly from said stationary bottom, means for rotating said drum at constant speed, memoranda means inserted in said memoranda receiving pockets, means in cooperation with said opening in said stationary bottom to deliver said memoranda means at preselected intervals and a signal means in association with said means to deliver said memoranda means.

It can thus be seen that the need exists for a simple, reliable programmable apparatus for dispensing medication dosages at predetermined intervals that retrievably records the dispensing medication and the removal of dispensed medication that ameliorates the disadvantages of known devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects are achieved by providing a medication dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a medication magazine adapted and constructed to store a plurality of doses of medication. A dispensing container is adapted and constructed to receive medication from the medication magazine, the dispensing container being selectively openable by a user of the apparatus to gain access to dispensed medication. A dispensing mechanism is adapted to selectively permit passage of respective medication doses from the medication magazine to the dispensing container. A control system includes a recording mechanism adapted and constructed to record dispensing history, including the occurrence and time of occurrence of dispensing of medication from the magazine and the occurrence and time of occurrence of accessing of medication from the dispensing container.

A programmable actuation mechanism can be provided to selectively actuate the dispensing mechanism. A user interface including a display and a keypad can be connected to the control system, whereby dispensing history can be reviewed on the display, and the keypad can be used to program the actuation mechanism.

The dispensing mechanism can include at least one shutter mechanism disposed between the medication magazine and the dispensing container. The shutter mechanism can be solenoid-actuated. In an embodiment, the medication magazine includes a plurality of dosage compartments arranged in annular, concentric inner and outer dispensing rings, with a first shutter mechanism between the inner dispensing ring and the dispensing container, and a second shutter mechanism between the outer dispensing ring and the dispensing container.

The control system can include a clock mechanism whereby the dispensing mechanism can be actuated at predetermined time intervals. An alarm mechanism can be connected to the control system, whereby a user is alerted when the dispensing mechanism can be actuated. The control system can be adapted and constructed to cause the alarm to repeat at predetermined time intervals until the dispensing container is opened by a user, and/or to cause the alarm to operate continuously until the dispensing container is opened by a user. The alarm mechanism can be selected from a group consisting of an audio alarm, a visual alarm, and an audiovisual alarm.

The medication magazine can be provided with a cylindrical form. The apparatus can include a motor, connected to the control system, adapted and constructed to selectively impart rotational movement to the medication magazine. The apparatus can be connected to a primary power source, with a secondary power source such as battery power being provided for emergency use.

The features of the invention believed to be patentable are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a medication dispensing apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the FIG 1. medication dispensing apparatus, partially broken away and in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the medication dispensing apparatus shown in the previous Figures, with the upper housing and magazine removed to show internal components.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a medication dispensing apparatus having a load lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A medication dispensing apparatus 10 in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The apparatus 10 includes a base 12 and a cover 14. The base 12 and cover 14 can be fabricated from any suitable material, such as high-impact plastic, and the cover 14 can be attached to the base 12 in any suitable way, e.g., hinged connections.

A dispensing container 16, here provided as a drawer, is disposed on a side of the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 also includes a user interface 18, including a display 20 and a keypad control panel 22. A central control system 24 (FIG. 3) is also provided with the user interface 18, and can be provided with a PROM or other programmable control device. As seen in FIG.2, the apparatus 10 includes a rotary medication magazine 26. The magazine 26 is cylindrical in form, and includes a plurality of open-bottomed dosage compartments 28 arranged in annular, concentric inner and outer dispensing rings 30, 32. The base 12 includes a dividing wall 34. Radial apertures 36 in the dividing wall 34 provide a passage between the dosage compartments 28 and the dispensing container 16.

As seen in FIG. 3, a pair of shutters 38, 40 are disposed beneath the dividing wall 34 between the dosage compartments 28 and the dispensing container 16. The shutters are operated by a pair of respective solenoids 42, 44 that are actuated by the control system 24. A motor 46 is provided to impart rotational movement to the magazine 26 via a shaft 48.

In order to provide power to the control system, user interface, solenoids, motor and other electrical components of the apparatus 10, a power connection, in the form of an electrical cord 50, is adapted for attachment to a primary power source via a transformer (not shown). A secondary power source, here shown as a battery pack 52, is provided for emergency use in the event of a failure of the primary power source.

A connection 54 is provided to allow the apparatus 10 to communicate with external devices via the control system 24. For example, the connection 54 can be in communication with a nurse's call station typically used in healthcare facilities such as assisted living centers. The control system 24 can be programmed to notify the nurse's station when the device has gone off, but the has not been shut off. There can be a time delay of, for example, 15 minutes after the unit's alarm activates before the nurses station will receive a message. It is also contemplated that the connection 54 can be provided as a modem or other suitable communications connection.

Exemplary operation of the apparatus 10 is as follows. Once the apparatus 10 is connected to a power source and turned on, the user interface 18 is used to first set time, date, and alarm times to program the control system 24 for dispensing dosages at the correct intervals. In the illustrated example, there are 21 compartments in the outer ring 32, and 14 compartments in the inner ring 30, thus allowing for five discrete dispensing events per day over a seven-day period.

Next, the cover 14 is opened, and dosages of medication are placed into the dosage compartments 28.

The control system 24 includes a clock mechanism as is known in the art. When the control system determines that it is time to dispense a dose, the control system actuates an alarm, which may be provided as an audio alarm, a visual alarm, or an audiovisual alarm. In an embodiment, the control system flashes a light on the keypad 22, and sounds an audio alarm such as a buzzer. The alarms continue until the user pushes a "dispense" button on the keypad 22, sending an actuation signal to the solenoid, which in turn opens the proper shutter, thus dispensing medication into the dispensing container 16. The visual alarm then continues until the user opens the dispensing drawer 16 and removes the medication. When the drawer is replaced, the motor 48 advances the magazine 26 to the next dispensing position, and the process is repeated for the duration of the programmed period.

The control system 24 electronically records thedispensing time, providing a dispensing history to the user and supervising healthcare professionals. This history can be reviewed on the display 20, or could be downloaded from the control system in a known manner. It is also contemplated that other events, such as alarm time and medication removal time, could be recorded in addition to dispensing time.

It is contemplated that the apparatus 10 can be programmed to perform a variety of desirable functions. For example, an Advance Dose option can be programmed to allow a user to advance an upcoming dose, or series of doses, in the event that the user intends to be away from the dispensing apparatus when it is time for a dose.

In another example, the apparatus 10 can be programmed for automated medication loading. A transparent load lid 56, as shown in FIG. 4, can be placed over the magazine 26 with the cover 14 in its open position. The load lid 56 has an inner opening 58 positioned to overlay dosage compartments in the inner dispensing ring 30, and an outer opening 60 positioned to overlay dosage compartments in the outer dispensing ring 32. The control system 24 will automatically move the rotary medication magazine to a predetermined location, and light up the dosage compartment to be loaded. The user can then rotate the load lid 56 to a position above the compartment to be loaded, then insert the dosage. The magazine can be rotated with each dose to be loaded, with each dosage compartment being lit in turn until the loading process is complete. Of course, the apparatus 10 can be programmed to display data in several languages, depending upon where the apparatus is marketed and used.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A medication dispensing apparatus comprising the following: a medication magazine adapted and constructed to store a plurality of doses of medication; a dispensing container adapted and constructed to receive medication from the medication magazine, the dispensing container being selectively openable by a user of the apparatus to gain access to dispensed medication; a dispensing mechanism adapted to selectively permit passage of respective medication doses from the medication magazine to the dispensing container; and a control system including a recording mechanism adapted and constructed to record dispensing history, including the occurrence and time of occurrence of accessing of medication from the dispensing container.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , control system further comprises a programmable actuation mechanism adapted and constructed to selectively actuate the dispensing mechanism.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a user interface connected to the control system.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the user interface comprises a display and a keypad.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the recording mechanism is connected to the user interface, whereby dispensing history can be reviewed on the display.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the user interface is connected to the actuation mechanism, whereby the keypad is adapted and constructed to be used to program the actuation mechanism.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises at least one shutter mechanism disposed between the medication magazine and the dispensing container.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the at least one shutter mechanism is solenoid-actuated.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the medication magazine includes plurality of dosage compartments.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the dosage compartments are arranged in annular, concentric inner and outer dispensing rings.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the at least one shutter mechanism comprises a first shutter mechanism between the inner dispensing ring and the dispensing container, and a second shutter mechanism between the outer dispensing ring and the dispensing container.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control system includes a clock mechanism whereby the dispensing mechanism can be actuated at predetermined time intervals.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an alarm mechanism connected to the control system, whereby a user is alerted when the dispensing mechanism is to be actuated.

14 An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control system is adapted and constructed to cause the alarm to repeat at predetermined time intervals until the dispensing container is opened by a user.

15. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control system is adapted and constructed to cause the alarm to operate continuously until the dispensing container is opened by a user.

16. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the alarm mechanism is selected from a group consisting of an audio alarm, a visual alarm, and an audiovisual alarm.

17. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the medication magazine is cylindrical, and the apparatus comprises a motor, connected to the control system, adapted and constructed to selectively impart rotational movement to the medication magazine.

18. An apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising means for connecting the apparatus to a primary power source.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a secondary power source.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the secondary power source comprises at least one battery.