Variable capacity medication container and labeling system for medical monitoring device

• US 6,102,855 A
• Filed: 10/22/1997
• Issued: 08/15/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Informedix, Inc. (Informedix Holdings, Inc.), Madrigal Health, LLC
• Original Assignee: Informedix, Inc. (Informedix Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Farrage, David, Stowell, Davin, Chapman, Dean, Maurer, David, Kehr, Bruce A., Sohn, Evan, Starnes, James E.
• Primary Examiner(s): HINDENBURG, MAX F
• Application Number:
  US08/955,952
• Time in Patent Office: 1,028 Days
• Field of Search: 600/300, 206/569, 206/570, 206/557, 206/558, 206/561, 221/289
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2200/30 Compliance analysis for taking medication
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/20 Colour codes
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/30 Printed labels
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/50 using icons or symbolic figures, e.g. by a graphical representation symbolising the type of pathology or the organ by an image
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/70 Audible labels, e.g. for pre-recorded info or messages
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0418 with electronic history memory
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0481 working on a schedule basis

Abstract

A medical monitoring device, operating system, and method is provided for managing administration of medical treatment regimens for treating a patient'"'"'s medical conditions. The device stores medication schedule data, treatment data, patient query data, and patient response data. The device includes a controller for controlling modes of operation of the device, controlling access of the memory, controlling display of the treatment data and the patient query data on a display, receiving and processing patient response data, tracking timing, and providing scheduled medication alarm signals. The device provides scheduled medication alarm signals that alert the user concerning prescribed medications due to be taken. The device further includes removable trays of varying capacities that provide flexibility regarding type and quantity of dispersed medications. The device also facilitates a pre-loading and pre-labeling method that provides for efficiency, accuracy, and improved controls regarding dispensing of prescribed medications.

Claims

1. A medical monitoring device for managing administration of medical treatment regimens, comprising a removable tray that accommodates at least one medication, wherein the removable tray contains the medication and includes at least one cover sealing the medication in the removable tray, the at least one cover has at least one label that provides information related to the medication, and the medical monitoring device includes a display for displaying information related to the medication, and the label further provides information that corresponds to information displayed by the medical monitoring device display.

2. The medical monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the label is removable and can be placed elsewhere on the device.

3. A medical monitoring device for managing administration of medical treatment regimens, comprising a removable tray that accommodates at least one medication, wherein the removable tray accommodates at least one compartment insert for storing the medication, the compartment insert has at least one label that provides information related to the medication, and the medical monitoring device includes a display for displaying information related to the medication, and the label further provides information that corresponds to information displayed by the medical monitoring device display.

4. The medical monitoring device of claim 3, wherein the label is removable and can be placed elsewhere on the device.

5. A medical monitoring device for managing administration of medical treatment regimens, comprising:

a memory for storing information;

a controller for controlling access of the memory and for controlling display of the information on a display;

a removable tray for storing medication associated with the information, wherein the removable tray accommodates at least one medication, the removable tray contains the medication and includes at least one cover sealing the medication in the removable tray, the at least one cover has at least one label that provides information related to the medication, and the label further provides information that corresponds to information displayed by the medical monitoring device.

6. A medical monitoring device for managing administration of medical treatment regimens, comprising:

a memory for storing information;

a controller for controlling access of the memory and for controlling display of the information on a display;

a removable tray for storing medication associated with the information, wherein the removable tray accommodates at least one medication, the removable tray accommodates at least one compartment insert for storing the medication, the compartment insert contains the medication and includes a cover sealing the medication therein, the cover has at least one label that provides information related to the medication, and the label further provides information that corresponds to information displayed by the medical monitoring device.

7. A method for dispensing medication, comprising:

a first step of loading the medication into a removable tray for use in a medical monitoring device;

a second step of sealing the removable tray with a cover; and

a third step of labeling the cover to provide information related to the medication loaded in the removable tray, including displaying information by the medical monitoring device pertaining to the medication, and wherein the labeling further provides information that corresponds to information displayed by the medical monitoring device.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the third step of labeling the cover precedes the second step of sealing the removable tray.

9. A method for dispensing medication, comprising:

a first step of loading the medication into a removable tray for use in a medical monitoring device, said medical monitoring device comprising a memory for storing information, and a controller for controlling access of the memory and for controlling display of the information on a display;

a second step of sealing the removable tray with a cover; and

a third step of labeling the cover to provide information related to the medication loaded in the removable tray, wherein the labeling further provides information that corresponds to at least a portion of the information displayed by the medical monitoring device.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the third step of labeling the cover precedes the second step of sealing the removable tray.