Receptacle for medical refuse
First Claim
1. A receptacle for medical refuse, the receptacle comprising:
- (a) a housing comprising a plurality of panels which together define an interior cavity, the housing being shaped to define a refuse deposition slot which is in communication with the interior cavity,(b) a drawer coupled to the housing and pivotable between closed and open positions, the drawer fully enclosing the slot when disposed in its closed position, the drawer at most partially enclosing the slot when disposed in its open position,(c) a latch disposable between first and second positions, the drawer being retained in its closed position by the latch when disposed in its first position, the drawer being capable of pivotable displacement between its closed and open positions when the latch is disposed in its second position, and(d) a electronic controller for regulating the position of the latch.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A medical waste receptacle includes a housing shaped to define an interior cavity into which a waste collection bin is disposed. The housing is also shaped to include a slot in communication with the interior cavity, the slot being selectively enclosed by a disposal drawer adapted to pivot between closed and open positions. A movable latch selectively engages the drawer, the position of the latch being regulated by an electronic controller. In use, a barcode scanner in electrical connection with the controller retrieves an access code provided on a refuse container to be dispensed. If the access code is deemed valid, the controller disengages the latch from the drawer, thereby enabling the container to be dispensed into the bin through the slot. In the absence of receiving a valid access code, the controller retains the latch in engagement with the naturally closed disposal drawer, thereby precluding access to the bin.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A receptacle for medical refuse, the receptacle comprising:
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(a) a housing comprising a plurality of panels which together define an interior cavity, the housing being shaped to define a refuse deposition slot which is in communication with the interior cavity, (b) a drawer coupled to the housing and pivotable between closed and open positions, the drawer fully enclosing the slot when disposed in its closed position, the drawer at most partially enclosing the slot when disposed in its open position, (c) a latch disposable between first and second positions, the drawer being retained in its closed position by the latch when disposed in its first position, the drawer being capable of pivotable displacement between its closed and open positions when the latch is disposed in its second position, and (d) a electronic controller for regulating the position of the latch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification