Timed dispensing device for tablets, capsules, and the like

• US 4,572,403 A
• Filed: 02/01/1984
• Issued: 02/25/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rafael Benaroya
• Original Assignee: Rafael Benaroya
• Inventors: Benaroya, Rafael
• Primary Examiner(s): Bartuska, F. J.
• Application Number:
  US06/575,824
• Time in Patent Office: 755 Days
• Field of Search: 221/2, 221/3, 221/5, 221/7, 221/8, 221/15, 221/76, 221/82, 221/83, 221/197, 364/479
• US Class Current: 221/3
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/04 Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0445 for preventing drug dispensing during a predetermined time period
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0481 working on a schedule basis

Abstract

A dispensing system is provided for timed dispensing of tablets, capsules and the like, the system comprising a base unit having a top cover and bottom cover, a carousel in the base unit, and a tray including bins for receiving tablets, capsules and the like. The dispensing system further includes a processor which actuates a drive operable to move the carousel, the processor accepting input information, causing visual and sound alarms, and providing output information for programming a plurality of alarm times with daily repeat feature.

Claims

1. A dispensing system comprising a base unit having a top cover and a bottom cover, the top cover having an access opening therein, a rotatable carousel in said base unit, said carousel comprising a vertically extending, circular wall connected to an outwardly extending ring at its lower end, said circular wall having vertically extending, spaced protuberances extending inwardly from its inner surface, a tray in said carousel having a plurality of bins therein, said tray comprising a pair of circular radially spaced walls providing a circular opening proportioned to surround said circular wall on said carousel, connecting means between said carousel and said tray, a drive means connected to said carousel, a processor for actuating said drive means and including a microcomputer, switch means connected to said processor and positioned to be actuated by said protuberances and an alarm connected to said microcomputer.

2. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tray is removable from said carousel.

3. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said alarm comprises a visual alarm and an acoustic alarm.

4. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 further including an LCD connected to said microcomputer and serving as a visual alarm.

5. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 further including an LCD connected to said microcomputer and serving as a visual alarm, time indicator, keypad entry indicator and low battery voltage indicator.

6. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 further including an access window for covering said access opening.

7. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1, said switch means comprising a micro switch, said micro switch being actuated by said protuberances and providing input to said microcomputer.

8. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1, said processor further including a keypad connected to said microcomputer.

9. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said carousel includes a circumferentially disposed gear which engages said drive means, and said switch means comprises a micro switch having a toggle which is positioned to engage said protuberances and which provides input to said microcomputer.

10. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said base unit comprises a bracket disposed below said top cover which carries a keypad connected to said microcomputer, said keypad being positioned for access upon removal of said top cover.

11. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said microcomputer includes a control unit, program memory, arithmetic logic unit, data memory, timer, LCD driver and controller, input port, output register, sound generator and low battery voltage indicator.

12. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 8 wherein said sound generator outputs different frequencies and volumes.

13. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said processor further includes a pushbutton connected to said alarm and to said microcomputer whereby said alarm may be stopped and said LCD may display the number of dose periods and dose days remaining.

14. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said processor causes said carousel to move a bin under said access opening at a predetermined time and actuate said alarm.

15. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said access opening is of like size to the size of a bin.

16. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said microcomputer holds in RAM the number of available doses and the number of dose days remaining and decrements said available dose number after each alarm by one and also decrements the number of dose days each day.

17. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 15 wherein said microcomputer outputs a signal when reload of said tray is necessary.

18. A dispensing system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the connecting means includes keying means between said carousel and said removable tray.