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Temperature controlled pharmaceutical storage device with alarm detection and indication means

  • US 5,217,064 A
  • Filed: 11/05/1991
  • Issued: 06/08/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/05/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A temperature-controlled pharmaceutical storage apparatus for containing temperature sensitive pharmaceutical substances which must be maintained within a range of temperatures to avoid diminishment of potency or shelf life, comprising:

  • a) a substantially enclosed and thermally insulated structure, having at least one port which opens to allow access to an enclosed storage area having a storage temperature;

    b) means for selectively heating and cooling said storage area of said substantially enclosed and thermally insulated structure;

    c) means for detecting elevation of said storage temperature above a selected maximum storage temperature, and for actuating said means for selectively heating and cooling to lower said storage temperature below said selected maximum storage temperature;

    d) means for detecting lowering of said temperature below a selected minimum temperature, and actuating said means for selectively heating and cooling to raise said storage temperature above said selected minimum temperature;

    e) means for detecting and indicating a first alarm condition when said storage temperature rises above said maximum storage temperature to a first selected critical temperature which would impair the potency of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical substances stored within said storage area, said means for detecting and indicating a first alarm condition further comprising means for maintaining an alarm indication regardless of any subsequent changes in said storage temperature;

    f) means for detecting and indicating a second alarm condition when said storage temperature falls below a minimum storage temperature to a second selected critical temperature which would impair the potency of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical substances stored within said storage area, said means for detecting and indicating a second alarm condition further comprising means for maintaining an alarm indication regardless of any subsequent changes in said storage temperature;

    g) wherein said maximum storage temperature constitutes an upper temperature level above which potency of said temperature sensitive pharmaceutical substances may be impaired, and wherein said minimum storage temperature constitutes a lower temperature level below which potency of said temperature sensitive pharmaceutical substances may be impaired.

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