Apparatus and method for accepting return of unused medical items
First Claim
1. A method for accepting an unused or unusable medical item, the method performed with an apparatus including a processor in operative connection with at least one input device, a housing including a drawer in supporting connection therewith, and a first latch in operative connection with the drawer and the processor, wherein the drawer includes an aperture and wherein the apparatus includes a storage area extending vertically below the aperture, and a door movably mounted adjacent the aperture, wherein the door is movably mounted such that the medical item is enabled to pass through the aperture to the storage area and not out of the storage area through the aperture, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) entering data through the input device;
(b) unlatching the first latch responsive to operation of the processor when the entered data includes certain predetermined data, wherein the drawer is rendered movable relative to the housing;
(c) moving the drawer outward relative to the housing to an open position wherein the aperture is accessible from outside the housing;
(d) placing the medical item in the aperture when the drawer is in the open position;
(e) moving the door wherein the medical item passes into the storage area;
(f) closing the drawer wherein the aperture is rendered inaccessible from outside the housing.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for accepting return of unused medical items is part of a system (10) used for automated dispensing and tracking of medical items within a medical facility. The apparatus includes a return drawer (52, 156) and a retrieve drawer (54, 158) which are opened responsive to signals received from a display terminal (26) which is networked with a computer (12) which includes a database (14). The return drawer includes a pocket (74, 160) therein. The pocket is accessible from outside of a housing (56) when the return drawer is moved to an open position. The pocket includes an opening (76, 156). The pocket is closed by a trap door (78, 170) when the return drawer is in the open position. Medical items to be returned (132, 184, 186) are placed in the pocket and the return drawer is closed. Upon the closing of the return drawer the trap door is moved to an open position by an actuator. The returned medical item passes from the pocket to a retrieve area (84, 188) in the retrieve drawer. Medical items are stored in the retrieve area until the retrieve drawer is opened by a user authorized to retrieve items from said retrieve area. The opening of the return and retrieve drawers is controlled responsive to the input of data at the display terminal corresponding to information in records (16) in the database.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for accepting an unused or unusable medical item, the method performed with an apparatus including a processor in operative connection with at least one input device, a housing including a drawer in supporting connection therewith, and a first latch in operative connection with the drawer and the processor, wherein the drawer includes an aperture and wherein the apparatus includes a storage area extending vertically below the aperture, and a door movably mounted adjacent the aperture, wherein the door is movably mounted such that the medical item is enabled to pass through the aperture to the storage area and not out of the storage area through the aperture, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) entering data through the input device; (b) unlatching the first latch responsive to operation of the processor when the entered data includes certain predetermined data, wherein the drawer is rendered movable relative to the housing; (c) moving the drawer outward relative to the housing to an open position wherein the aperture is accessible from outside the housing; (d) placing the medical item in the aperture when the drawer is in the open position; (e) moving the door wherein the medical item passes into the storage area; (f) closing the drawer wherein the aperture is rendered inaccessible from outside the housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification