SYSTEMS FOR POINT-OF-USE MEDICATION CONTROL

• US 20110125318A1
• Filed: 11/24/2010
• Published: 05/26/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lawrence A. Dunn
• Original Assignee: Lawrence A. Dunn
• Inventors: Dunn, Lawrence A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,014,847 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/237
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/02 Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus alarms or warning devices indicating the interruption of flow to be metered G07F15/10
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

Systems for controlling the dispensing of medication are provided. The system can include a dispenser device capable of holding and delivering at least one medication. A controller can be operatively connected to the dispenser. The controller can automatically operate the dispenser for movement to a dispensing position at a predetermined time. An electronic communication device for connecting the system to a remote facility can be provided. An identification verification device for restricting access to the system can be in communication with the controller of the system. A location determination device for determining the location of the system can also be provided.

Claims

1. A system for controlling dispensing of medication, the system comprising:

a dispenser configured for holding and delivering at least one medication;

a controller operatively connected to the dispenser, wherein the controller automatically operates the dispenser for movement to a dispensing position at a predetermined time;

an electronic communication device for connecting the controller to a remote facility;

an identification verification device for controlling access to the system; and

a location determination device for determining the location of the dispenser.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured for emitting a signal indicating that it is time to dispense a dose of medication from the dispenser at the predetermined time.

3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising at least one of a speaker or a display screen, wherein the signal of the controller is an audible signal that can be emitted by the internal speaker, a visual signal that can be displayed on the display screen, or a combination thereof.

4. The system according to claim 2, further comprising a response mechanism electronically connected to the controller such that the controller can be instructed that the signal has been received when the response mechanism is actuated.

5. The system according to claim 6, wherein the controller is programmable with a medication dispensing program which includes a data store comprising the predetermined time to operate the dispenser and the name of the at least one medication.

6. The system according to claim 7, wherein the data store further comprises at least one of patient data, a patient compliance schedule, caregiver data, compliance notification data pharmacy data, physician data, insurance data, or emergency contact data.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is programmable to connect to a predetermined Internet Service Provider through the electronic communication device in order to transmit or receive at least one of patient data, pharmacy data, physician data, insurance data, or emergency contact data.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the controller is programmable to transmit an order requesting a refill of the at least one medication or the dispenser containing the at least one medication when the system is connected to the predetermined Internet Service Provider.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is programmable to connect to a predetermined Internet Service Provider through the electronic communication device in order to transmit compliance schedule and compliance notification data and when the controller is not instructed within a predetermined time frame that the signal has been received, the controller transmits a non-compliance notification to the Internet Service Provider.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the controller is programmable to update and transmit the caregiver data and compliance notification data when the system is connected to the predetermined Internet Service Provider.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the identification verification device comprises a biometric identification fingerprint system.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the location determination device comprises an integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.

13. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an emergency assistance button electronically connected to the controller in such a manner that when the emergency assistance button is actuated, the controller is instructed to transmit an emergency message.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser comprises:

(i) a sealable pill magazine for storing units of medication;

(ii) a dispensing well in communication with the pill magazine to permit transfer of the units of medication from the pill magazine to the dispensing well, the dispensing well have an opening therein to permit removal of units of medication therefrom; and

(iii) a shutter movably positionable proximate to the opening of the dispensing well, the shutter being movable between an open position in which access through the opening of the dispensing well is permitted and a closed position in which the opening of the dispensing well is closed.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the dispenser further comprises a vacuum mechanism configured to enter through the opening of the dispensing well.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the dispenser further comprises vibrating a vibrator positioned against the pill magazine.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the pill magazine comprises a slanted base surface wall that extends into the dispensing well and againstwhich the vibrator resides.

18. The system according to claim 14, wherein the pill magazine further comprises a fill door that can be opened to permit filling of the pill magazine and closed to deny access into the pill magazine therethrough and a tamper switch in communication with the fill door.

19. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a tilt sensor disposed within the dispenser.

20. A system for controlling dispensing of medication, the system comprising:

a dispenser configured for holding and delivering at least one medication;

a controller operatively connected to the dispenser, wherein the controller automatically operates the dispenser for movement to a dispensing position at a predetermined time;

an electronic communication device for connecting the controller to a remote facility;

an identification verification device for controlling access to the system;

a location determination device for determining the location of the dispenser; and

a lockout for disabling functionality of the system based upon a predetermined criteria.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the lockout comprises at least one of a breath sensor for determining a breath alcohol level and the predetermined criteria comprises a maximum breath alcohol level or an interactive cognitive test and the predetermined criteria comprises a minimum cognitive level.