Modular dispensing devices for informing a user of a numeric amount of consumables and a schedule for dispensing the consumables
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device comprising:
- a first mechanical interface configured to removably and replaceably couple to a container of consumables;
a first communication interface configured to receive data from the container relating to a number of consumables in the container when the device is coupled to the container through the first mechanical interface;
a second mechanical interface configured to removably and replaceably couple to a base;
a second communication interface configured to receive a schedule for dispensing the consumables from the base when the device is coupled to the base through the second mechanical interface;
a memory storing the number of consumables and the schedule; and
a user input actuatable by a user to dispense one of the consumables from the container.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A dispensing device is improved through the inclusion of modular components, for example, mechanical interfaces to couple to a container and a base. The modular dispensing device may also include communication systems related to the container and the base. Specifically, the modular dispensing device may receive information such as the contents of the container (e.g., quantity, identity, etc.) and a schedule for dispensing the contents. Using this information, the modular dispensing device may control the dispensing of the contents of the container.
91 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A device comprising:
-
a first mechanical interface configured to removably and replaceably couple to a container of consumables; a first communication interface configured to receive data from the container relating to a number of consumables in the container when the device is coupled to the container through the first mechanical interface; a second mechanical interface configured to removably and replaceably couple to a base; a second communication interface configured to receive a schedule for dispensing the consumables from the base when the device is coupled to the base through the second mechanical interface; a memory storing the number of consumables and the schedule; and a user input actuatable by a user to dispense one of the consumables from the container. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
-
15. A computer program product comprising computer executable code embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps of:
-
detecting an insertion of a cartridge containing consumables into a base, the cartridge including a container for the consumables and a removable and replaceable housing for the container that provides an electro-mechanical interface configured to removably and replaceably couple to the base; reading a numeric amount of the consumables from the cartridge and communicating the numeric amount to the base; and reading a schedule for medication from the base and communicating a portion of the schedule relating to the consumables in the cartridge to the cartridge. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification