A device that can be loaded with appropriate pills and programmed to automatically dispense the proper amount(s) and proper type(s) of
pill(s) at the
proper time(s) each day. The device includes a
system for alerting the
pill taker that pills have been dispensed, a
system for providing voice messages to coach the
pill taker to use the device and consume the pills, and a
system for alerting an off-site caregiver when the pill taker has not responded as required or when there is a problem with the operation of the device. Major components of the device include a programmable
timer (41), a pill-storage wheel (21), a cabinet (11), a compartment for storing bottles of pills (13), a
push button to stop the alarm and release the pills (34), a pill-release gate (61), a compartment indicator template (51), an index gear (92), a battery (500), a pill-storage wheel actuation circuit (504), a pill alert LED and
buzzer driver circuit (506), a voice message
record and playback system (514), and an automatic telephone
dialer system (510).