Medicament dispenser and medical information storage apparatus
First Claim
1. A medicament dispenser and medical information storage apparatus comprising a housing, said housing having an alpha/numeric keyboard affixed thereto, said housing having at least one visual information display secured to said housing, a plurality of control function keys affixed to said housing, a controller, said alpha/numeric keyboard and said plurality of control function keys coupled to and electrically operating said controller, an audio device, said audio device coupled to said controller, means by which at least a portion of said visual information display is operable at selected points in real time inclusive of means to maintain said portion of said visual information display operable until a manual operation of one of said plurality of control function keys, means to maintain another portion of said visual information display operable at all times, said housing having a compartment, said compartment being configured having an access cover hingeably secured to said housing to accept for temporary storage therewithin a plurality of medicaments of various types and quantities, a spring loaded locking mechanism, said locking mechanism being secured to said housing, means whereby said locking mechanism is momentarily operated at said selected points in real time permitting the opening of said access cover so as to provide access to said plurality of medicaments stored within said compartment, means whereby said locking mechanism locks said access cover upon the manual closing of said access cover after selected medicaments are withdrawn from said compartment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A portable medicament dispenser and patient medical information storage apparatus utilizes a housing containing external access to an alpha/numeric keyboard, a visual display having a clock display, an alpha/numeric display portion, and a plurality of control function keys which may be used to enter the name of medicaments and the times that they should be taken throughout the day, coupled to a memory storage mechanism. An audio device enunciates the time in which all of the medicaments, in bulk quantity, contained within a compartment of the apparatus, may be retrieved by the user. A cover, over the compartment, opens automatically at the times that any medicaments are to be taken by the user, who then selects those medicaments he is to take at that time. By programming the keyboard, patient information may be inserted into the storage mechanism, for use during emergencies. A stationary device, similarly equipped with an alpha/numeric display and keyboard coupled to a storage mechanism, may be used to program the portable device at the source where medicaments are dispensed. An output terminal of the stationary device may simultaneously print labels for the dispenser. Another output device may be utilized to provide information for memory storage concerning price, medicament, directions for use, doctor'"'"'s name, and the like, in the dispenser'"'"'s file on the patient. By coupling the two units, the portable unit and the stationary unit together, the dispenser may similary control the new or re-programming of the memory of the portable unit, thereby eliminating the need for manual programming into memory for same by the user.
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Citations
11 Claims
- 1. A medicament dispenser and medical information storage apparatus comprising a housing, said housing having an alpha/numeric keyboard affixed thereto, said housing having at least one visual information display secured to said housing, a plurality of control function keys affixed to said housing, a controller, said alpha/numeric keyboard and said plurality of control function keys coupled to and electrically operating said controller, an audio device, said audio device coupled to said controller, means by which at least a portion of said visual information display is operable at selected points in real time inclusive of means to maintain said portion of said visual information display operable until a manual operation of one of said plurality of control function keys, means to maintain another portion of said visual information display operable at all times, said housing having a compartment, said compartment being configured having an access cover hingeably secured to said housing to accept for temporary storage therewithin a plurality of medicaments of various types and quantities, a spring loaded locking mechanism, said locking mechanism being secured to said housing, means whereby said locking mechanism is momentarily operated at said selected points in real time permitting the opening of said access cover so as to provide access to said plurality of medicaments stored within said compartment, means whereby said locking mechanism locks said access cover upon the manual closing of said access cover after selected medicaments are withdrawn from said compartment.
Specification