269 results about "Medication Dispenser" patented technology

The present invention provides a swallowable internal drug medical device. The device includes a swallowable capsule. A sensing module is disposed in the capsule. A bioactive substance dispenser is disposed in the capsule. A memory and logic component is disposed in the capsule and in communication with the sensing module and the dispenser.

Autonomous personal service robot to monitor its owner for symptoms of distress and provide assistance. The system may include sensors to detect situations before they affect people such as smoke, heat, temperature and carbon monoxide sensors. The system can provide security for the home. The PRA may comprise features such as a medicine dispenser and blood pressure cuff. Features such as broadband internet, MP3 player, reading lights and eye glass tracker provide butler type capabilities that enable the system to appeal to markets beyond the elderly and infirmed. The system may also include an X10 transmitter / receiver to automatically control various household lights and appliances. Equipping the system with a robot arm enables the robot to fetch items, turn on and off wall switches and open the refrigerator.

The present invention provides a swallowable internal drug medical device. The device includes a swallowable capsule. A sensing module is disposed in the capsule. A bioactive substance dispenser is disposed in the capsule. A memory and logic component is disposed in the capsule and in communication with the sensing module and the dispenser.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for remote visualization of the storage compartments in a medication dispenser device, to monitor a patient's compliance with a medication dosage schedule and for verifying the proper loading of medication into the patient's medication dispenser device. The device may include a plurality of storage compartments, each having an interior space for storing at least one medication or medication reminder marker; an image capturing device (e.g., a camera) positionable to capture an image of the interior space of each storage compartment; and a communications module for electronically transmitting the captured image to a central monitoring station.

An infusion system includes a wearable infusion device, a safety assembly, and a tool. The device includes a liquid medicament dispenser having a base attachable to a patient's skin and that, when enabled, causes the liquid medicament to flow to beneath the skin of the patient, and an actuator that, when engaged, enables the dispenser. The safety assembly precludes unintended engagement of the actuator and the tool is arranged to disable the safety assembly.

A system for monitoring and dispensing medical items includes a plurality of hook registers (10). Each of the hook registers includes sensors (48, 60, 62, 64) sensing the removal or addition of a medical item to the storage location on the hook register. Each hook register has a microprocessor (66) connected to the sensor which stores a count of the items added or removed from the location. The microprocessor also includes location identifying information specifically associated with the particular hook register. The microprocessor is periodically polled by a controller (72) which reads and stores the count and location identifying information from each of the hook registers. The controller information is periodically read by a data terminal (76) which is connected through a local area network (82) to a remote computer (84) having a processor and data store. A user of the data terminal is enabled to specify a patient for whom medical items will be used when the items are removed from the hook registers or other storage locations. In addition, the system also monitors inventories of items and levels of usage by users. The system also monitors and controls the dispense of other medical items from box registers (110) as well as controls the dispense of items from secure storage locations such as electronic lock drawers (96) and medicine dispensers (100).

A medication dispensing unit comprising a carousel defining a plurality of compartments, each of the compartments adapted to store a dose of medication is disclosed. The dispensing unit also comprises a housing that has a surface adapted to receive the carousel. The housing defines a receptacle and an access aperture that communicates between the receptacle and the surface that is adapted to receive the carousel. One of the compartments is positioned to communicate with the receptacle through the access aperture. The unit also comprises a dosing drawer that is positioned within the receptacle and communicates with the access aperture to receive a dose of medication from the compartment through the access aperture. The dosing drawer includes a normally closed trap door that, when opened, allows a dose of medication in the drawer to drop out of the dosing drawer. The dispensing unit comprises a recovery drawer that is positioned within the receptacle and communicates with the dosing drawer through the trap door, and receives a dose of medication from the dosing drawer when the trap door is opened. The medication dispensing unit also comprises means for rotating the carousel and a microcontroller that defines dosing period, determines that the patient has accessed the dosing drawer within a dosing period, and locks the recovery drawer.

The application discloses a drug infusion system comprising a base and a drug dispenser. The base is configured to receive a cannula that delivers a drug to beneath a wearer's skin. The base is attachable to the skin of the wearer. The reusable drug dispenser is removably attachable to the base and has a pump unit configured to establish fluid communication between a removably attachable drug reservoir and the cannula. The pump unit pumps the drug to the wearer upon activation by the wearer. The pump unit may have an inlet to contact the drug within the reservoir, which may be a needle. The pump unit may also have a receiving unit to receive the reservoir. Such a receiving unit may be a tubular for a cylindrical reservoir, or may have a cavity or an encasing unit to hold the reservoir.

A system for monitoring and dispensing medical items includes a plurality of hook registers (10). Each of the hook registers includes sensors (48, 60, 62, 64) sensing the removal or addition of a medical item to the storage location on the hook register. Each hook register has a microprocessor (66) connected to the sensor which stores a count of the items added or removed from the location. The microprocessor also includes location identifying information specifically associated with the particular hook register. The microprocessor is periodically polled by a controller (72) which reads and stores the count and location identifying information from each of the hook registers. The controller information is periodically read by a data terminal (76) which is connected through a local area network (82) to a remote computer (84) having a processor and data store. A user of the data terminal is enabled to specify a patient for whom medical items will be used when the items are removed from the hook registers or other storage locations. In addition, the system also monitors inventories of items and levels of usage by users. The system also monitors and controls the dispense of other medical items from box registers (110) as well as controls the dispense of items from secure storage locations such as electronic lock drawers (96) and medicine dispensers (100).

The drug compliance monitoring system provides a patient with a portable medication dispenser programmed with medication-taking data. The dispenser alerts the patient to take a dose of medication and gathers compliance data relating to the medication-taking data. The compliance data is accessible to a physician, or other caregiver, etc., via a network database.

A device for aiding medication compliance includes a cap for a medicine container. The cap has a multi-color light-emitting diode; for determining when said cap is opened; and a button, operatively connected to the circuitry, for triggering a signal to an external dispenser to request a refill of medication when pressed.

A medication on demand dispenser. The dispenser provides patient access to medications prescribed to be available on an as-needed basis but with a prescribed minimum time interval between doses. The dispenser permits access to a single medication dose after each minimum time interval has elapsed. After a drug dose is presented to the patient, the dispenser prevents access to the next dose until the minimum time interval has elapsed.

A device for making an incision in the tympanic membrane, withdrawing fluid from the tympanic cavity and administering a medicament to the space behind the tympanic membrane is provided. The device has a barrel-shaped casing (1) having a rotatable end turret (38). A first trigger (2) allows a shaft (18) to pierce the tympanic membrane and a tubular vacuum cartridge (32). The cartridge allows aspiration of fluid. A second trigger (4) causes medicament (34) to be released into the space behind the tympanic membrane.

An automatic drug dispenser includes: a drug cassette which ejectably accommodates drugs; a base unit which detachably supports the drug cassette and drives a motor to eject drugs; a drug feeder storage which is designed to store a large number of base units; a reading device which is provided in each of the base units and reads identification information assigned to the drug cassette; and a checking means which compares a result of reading with pre-stored check data, wherein a microprocessor is mounted in each of the base units, and the checking means, the check data and history information related to the cassette are built in each microprocessor in a distributed manner.

A medication on demand dispenser. The dispenser provides patient access to medications prescribed to be available on an as-needed basis but with a prescribed minimum time interval between doses. The dispenser permits access to a single medication dose after each minimum time interval has elapsed. After a drug dose is presented to the patient, the dispenser prevents access to the next dose until the minimum time interval has elapsed.

The invention provides an integrated remote patient monitoring system that includes a garment, a monitoring device, and a medication dispensing unit. The garment is adapted for wearing by a patient, and is adapted to house at least one sensor that is in communication with the patient's body. The garment includes a connector communicating with the sensor. The monitoring device communicates with the sensor through the connector, and is configured to record signals from the sensor. The monitoring device is also configured to exchange signals representing patient status with a central station. The medication dispensing unit communicates with the monitoring device to receive commands from the monitoring device, and to transfer signals representing the status of medication doses to the monitoring device.

A medicament dispenser for use in the storage, presentation and / or dispensing of medicament comprising a body shaped for receipt of a medicament container. In association with the body, there is a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving data. A medicament container is receivable by the body. In association with the medicament container, there is a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving data. Data is transferable in two-way fashion from the first transceiver to the second transceiver. The medicament dispenser may be supplied in kit of parts form.

An automated personal pill dispenser has at least two chambers, each for holding a supply of pills. A feed mechanism is associated with each of the chambers and is operable selectively to feed an incremental number of pills from a respective one of the chambers. A programmable controller is coupled to control and operate the feed mechanism to dispense pills from the chambers. The controller has a timer, a memory and an input means. The controller is operable programmably, by the user and / or by remote input from a smart card, PDA or network, for example with access to data from a pharmacy including instructions and warnings. The programming presets at least one of a time and a number of pills to be dispensed from each of said chambers. The controller operates an alarm to alert the user and operates the feed mechanism to feed pills from the chambers at the preset time and number, also detecting the user's access to obtain the dispensed pills.

This invention provides a system and method for dispensing medication and a dispensing apparatus that comprises a plurality of compartments in an array within a housing, the compartments having respective lids, each of the lids being movable from a closed position to an open position, the respective lids each having a latch that secures the lid in a locked configuration in the closed position. The apparatus has an actuator mechanism that selectively unlocks the latch of each of the lids at a predetermined time so as to place the unlocked lid in an unlocked configuration that enables the lid to be moved to the open position. The compartments of the medication dispenser each receive a removable cup therein that is accessible when a respective of the lids associated therewith is in the open position. Other features, such as communication and messaging and / or audible / visual displays can also be provided.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for remote visualization of the storage compartments in a medication dispenser device, to monitor a patient's compliance with a medication dosage schedule and for verifying the proper loading of medication into the patient's medication dispenser device. The device may include a plurality of storage compartments, each having an interior space for storing at least one medication or medication reminder marker; an image capturing device (e.g., a camera) positionable to capture an image of the interior space of each storage compartment; and a communications module for electronically transmitting the captured image to a central monitoring station.

Autonomous personal service robot to monitor its owner for symptoms of distress and provide assistance. The system may include sensors to detect situations before they affect people such as smoke, heat, temperature and carbon monoxide sensors. The system can provide security for the home. The PRA may comprise features such as a medicine dispenser and blood pressure cuff. Features such as broadband internet, MP3 player, reading lights and eye glass tracker provide butler type capabilities that enable the system to appeal to markets beyond the elderly and infirmed. The system may also include an X10 transmitter / receiver to automatically control various household lights and appliances. Equipping the system with a robot arm enables the robot to fetch items, turn on and off wall switches and open the refrigerator.

A device for enabling a patient to have ready access to a daily dosage of medication placed in compartments at predetermined time periods and wherein the compartments are only accessible to the patient at predetermined time periods. The device comprises an annular plate member having a plurality of medicine receiving compartments formed adjacent the periphery thereof. Specific dosages in the form of capsules or pills are sequentially placed in selected compartments. In a preferred mode, up to four compartments are loaded in sequence to provide one dosage, up to four sequences of four compartments allowing four daily dosages to be provided. An annular top cover member is positioned over the plate member, the cover member including a window or door. The annular compartment containing member is controlled in a manner such that a selected compartment is positioned at a location under the window. When the window is so located, an alarm is energized to alert the patient that the dosage in that compartment is available for use. When the door is opened, the alarm is deactivated. An indexing mechanism is provided to rotate the plate member so that the adjacent compartment is rotated beneath the window. As the plate member is rotated, the window is automatically shut before the alarm for the next compartment is energized. A locking member is provided so that only the health provider can have access to all the compartments and thus determine if the patient has complied with the specified dosage regimen.

Disclosed is a medication dispensing system comprising a container including at least two compartments each compartment including a cavity configured to contain at least one first medication, a covering over the cavity configured to break under pressure, and an elongate conductive element on at least a portion of the covering and configured sever upon breaking the covering. The medication dispensing system further includes one interrogator-readable RFID circuit operatively associated with the container and connected to the elongate conductive element of each of the at least two compartments, and one RFID circuit interrogator configured to interrogate the one RFID circuit and determine whether the elongate conductive element is severed on either on at least one of the at least two compartments.

An automatic drug dispensing system that dispenses variable amounts or types of drugs to treat a particular medical condition of a patient, the system comprising a medical sensor which may be implanted in or otherwise coupled to a body surface of a patient, wherein the sensor is configured to measure one or more physiological parameters of the patient; a user interface configured for receiving input relating to the patient's current condition; and a processor configured to determine one or more of a drug selection, dosage, and timing regime based at least in part on information received from the medical sensor and user interface.

The drug compliance monitoring system provides a patient with a portable medication dispenser programmed with medication-taking data. The dispenser alerts the patient to take a dose of medication and gathers compliance data relating to the medication-taking data. The compliance data is accessible to a physician, or other caregiver, etc., via a network database.

An automatic drug dispenser includes: a drug cassette which ejectably accommodates drugs; a base unit which detachably supports the drug cassette and drives a motor to eject drugs; a drug feeder storage which is designed to store a large number of base units; a reading device which is provided in each of the base units and reads identification information assigned to the drug cassette; and a checking means which compares a result of reading with pre-stored check data, wherein a microprocessor is mounted in each of the base units, and the checking means, the check data and history information related to the cassette are built in each microprocessor in a distributed manner.

A medication tablet dispenser has an upright casing providing a tower which is subdivided by horizontal partitions into eight compartments which individually contain removable holders each containing a charge of tablets to be dispensed. The holders have framing portions which together provide a funnel opening downwardly into a cavity of a blister sheet. The casing is vibrated back and forth about its vertical axis through a small angle to cause tablets in the holders to progress towards an outlet leading into the funnel and having an associated ejector which discharges selected tablets into the funnel when required by a computer program. Conical vibration of the casing is prevented by a connection located on its vertical axis and held stationary by a fixed arm. The ejectors operate in response to slide-rods individually reciprocated by associated solenoids controlled by the computer program.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for adherence monitoring and patient interaction. In general, the devices, systems, and methods can facilitate a patient's adherence to a medication schedule and can facilitate monitoring and tracking of the patient's adherence to the medication schedule. In one embodiment, a medical accessory such as a cap is provided that can be configured to attach to existing medication dispensers, such as asthma inhalers, or to be integrated into a custom-made medication dispenser. The accessory can be configured to provide a notification to the patient when medication is due. The accessory can be configured to detect usage of the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to provide data regarding dispensing of the medication to an external device. The data can be analyzed and provided for visualization on a user interface.

There is provided a medicament dispenser comprising a housing having an outlet; a medicament container locatable within said housing; an electronic dose counter associated with said outlet; wherein said dose release dispensable from said medicament container through said outlet; and means for detecting changes in the performance of the sensor attributable to contamination or degradation and for adjusting the operation of the dispenser to compensate, at least in part, for said changes.

A display for use on medical dispensing equipment, and the resulting medical device and its method of display. In particular, provided are a number of specific embodiments of such a display on a medical device, including a film display for use on pill bottles and pill dispensers that utilize colored images as a dosage reminder for the user, a conformable bistable reflective display for use on drug delivery devices, and a conformable bistable reflective display for use on blood glucose meters.