PL236477B1 - Method for dosing of drugs or dietary supplements, preferably those that have the form of tablets - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for dosing drugs or dietary supplements, especially those in the form of tablets, includes a touch display, a microcomputer in the housing, and a dosing container (10) and a receiving container. In addition, it contains in the housing (1) an operating module (2), a dosing module, a dispensing module and a base (5). The dosing module contains at least two dosing containers (10). The receiving bin is at the end of the dispensing module.

Description

Description of the invention

The subject of the invention is a device for dosing drugs or dietary supplements, in particular in the form of tablets, intended in particular for the elderly.

From US 7359765 B2, an electronic drug dispenser is known which has the shape of a tube with a lid. The dispenser into which the tablets are filled has a dispensing mechanism and paths for tablets falling to the end feeder. The dispenser has a module responsible for reminding the user to take medications, as well as emits a sound signal and has an interface to operate the device. This known device, however, only allows one type of tablet to be dispensed, which makes it necessary for a patient to use more than one type of medicament, more devices.

In the patent application US 2014097194 A1 an automatic pill dispenser is disclosed which comprises a housing with a top cover, a withdrawal box, a pill box and a pill withdrawal device which includes a pivot arm. The arm is moved to the pill box, retrieves a pill and transfers it to the withdrawal box.

From the patent application US 2014358278 A1 a medicament dispenser is known which comprises a plurality of containers and a mechanism for dispensing the objects stored in these containers into a central container. Items are handed over at a specified time and frequency, determined by the user or a third party. The device can also be connected to the Internet, which enables third parties to control the dispensing of drugs to the user.

Patent description PL 224019 B1 discloses an intelligent drug box that reduces the risk of missed or delayed drug administration. The box has the form of a cuboid composed of the body and removable drawers placed in its recesses. Each cavity of the body also houses metallized conductive strips connected to the control system. The drawer on the outer opposing walls also has metallized conductive strips which, when placed in a cavity of the body, contact the conductive strips of that cavity. In addition, the drawer is equipped with an optical indicator, and the control system is equipped with an acoustic indicator and data connections such as USB or Wi-Fi. However, this device does not allow for the assembly of a set of medicaments necessary for the patient to take, which makes it necessary to arrange medicaments in drawers on one's own or to use the help of third parties.

On the other hand, from the patent application PL 411040 A1 an automatic dispenser for medicaments in the form of tablets is known. The device is made of independent modules, the basic unit of which is a medicine magazine, which is shaped like a flat cylinder with partitions for single doses of medicines. Each roller is driven by a stepper motor. Drugs are conveyed to the drug container by a drug transporter made in the form of a motorized transport belt.

A solution known as "The e-pill Automatic Locked Pill Dispenser" is known for its use, which provides the user with a set of tablets automatically, preceded by a sound signal to start the device, the operation of which consists in first completing the sets of drugs into containers - magazines, and then ensuring the rotation round disc at an angle that allows the chute to open and the tablets to fall out. The device allows you to set up to six audible alarms a day. An example of a more complex solution that allows programming of a 28-day drug administration plan is provided by "The GMS Med.-e-lert 28 day automatic pill dispenser". The device has tablet containers that can hold 18 aspirin-sized tablets each in one compartment. It is a fully portable solution, powered by a battery, signaling the intake of medicines, both audibly and by means of a flashing diode. Another solution, fully automatic, connected with a dedicated application monitoring the use of drugs in the form of tablets is Lumma (LITE's Ultimate Medication Management Apparatus). It is the first system for home use to completely automate the sorting and dispensing of tablets.

The object of the invention is to develop a new device for dosing drugs or dietary supplements, especially in the form of tablets, the filling of which with tablets or capsules will be easy for the user, and which will enable the simultaneous dosing of several drugs or dietary supplements and their dispensing at a specified by the user or a third hour.

PL 236 477 B1

A device for dosing medicaments or dietary supplements, in particular in the form of tablets, comprising a touchscreen display in a housing, a microcomputer and containing a dispensing container and a receiving container, according to the invention, characterized in that in the housing it includes a handling module, dispensing module, dispensing module and a base with a regulating module, the dispensing module comprising at least two dispensing containers and the receiving container being at an end of the dispensing module.

Preferably, the regulating module comprises an actuator, the actuator being linear and the actuator being controlled by a microcomputer, and the dispensing module comprises a hopper for tablets or capsules, the hopper being located on the side of the housing, and the hopper having a closing lid which has a lock, and behind the closing cap there is a second RGB LED.

Further advantages are obtained if there are six dispensing containers and the dispensing container is closed with a latch with a drive module, the lower part of the dispensing container has a t-bar, the t-bar is seated at an acute angle to the base, and the upper part of the t-bar is the first proximity sensor, the t-bar has grooves in the target, transport holes and a drain hole, and the grooves are arranged radially, and the grooves are three, and the transport holes are six, and the t-bar has a drive module, and the drag-bar has shafts embedded axially inside this dragline.

Further advantages are obtained if the dispensing module has the shape of a funnel, and at the end of the dispensing module there is a second proximity sensor, and moreover, the receiving container is seated on a base, the base of which is under the receiving container, and the device is powered from the mains. or from battery.

Further advantages are obtained if the programming unit has at least one button, preferably eight buttons, at least four buttons on the right-hand side of the display, or at least four buttons on the left-hand side of the display and at least four buttons on the display. are below the display, and in addition, at least one button has a first RGB LED.

The device for dosing drugs or dietary supplements, in particular in the form of tablets, according to the invention is intended in particular for elderly people who may unknowingly omit the doses indicated for them. Thanks to the use of at least two dosing containers, it is possible to store all drugs or dietary supplements in one device, which additionally dispenses them at a user or third party specified time of day and in a specific sequence. It is convenient for the user and gives the caregiver the certainty that drugs or dietary supplements are taken by the sick person regularly and in accordance with the doctor's recommendations. The advantage of the device which is the subject of the invention is to improve the health care of sick and elderly people who are obliged to take medications at a specific time, in various combinations and amounts. The use of the device allows you to avoid the situation of forgetting to take medications, confusing the type of medication, its dosage or the time of taking. The use of a control module with a touch screen and buttons facilitates the operation of the device by sick or elderly people. The location of the buttons on the device depends on whether it is operated by a right-handed person or a left-handed person. The use of a regulating module with a linear actuator allows for easy rotation of the device and refilling the dosing containers with medicines or dietary supplements. The device allows doctors to send through a website both recommendations for the dosage of specific drugs, as well as to make changes to their dosage during the disease as a result of obtaining, in particular, test results during treatment. In addition, it is possible to indirectly verify whether or not the patient has taken the medication by checking whether the receiving container has been removed from the holding site. The device also allows the caregivers of the sick person to control the regularity of taking medications or dietary supplements. In addition, they are informed about the lack of any medications or dietary supplements, they can also control the device remotely via a smartphone application or website.

Relevant information describing the process of taking medication, possible deficiencies and errors are collected in databases and reported to people previously defined in the program. The attending physician has the option not only to send dosing recommendations for specific medications via the website, but also to make any possible changes in the dosage during the course of the disease, e.g. due to new test results obtained during treatment,

These results require the physician to reschedule the administration of certain medications. The developed device is not only a system supporting drug dosing, but also a useful calendar, notebook, device for communication with family or friends. It allows you to save a fixed schedule for a day, week, set reminders or save important information, both by the user himself and by people defined in the system, in particular by the caregiver, doctor or family members of the user.

The device has a control program with the location of the touch screen and buttons, dedicated to both right-handed and left-handed people. It is possible to operate the basic functions of the device with the use of a touch screen or traditional buttons that have been introduced into the device, especially for users who do not like touch control. The basic buttons available on the device are:

- SOS - emergency call button. After pressing it, information is automatically sent to a defined person or institution with a predefined content;

- PLAN OF THE WEEK or PLAN OF THE DAY - these buttons make it easier to enter or edit or display the most important events of a given period on the touch screen;

- START - a multifunctional button confirming the function displayed on the display, used to start the procedure of filling the recipient container with medicines or dietary supplements to be taken, especially if the patient wants to leave early and takes medications from a specific time;

- NOTE - this button allows you to start the notes preparation module;

- NOTIFICATION - a button with a dedicated first RGB LED informs the user about incoming information or about reminders previously saved in the daily schedule. When pressed, reminders are displayed on the display;

- REPORTS - a button enabling the display of reports on taking medications, possible missing medications or errors in dispensing them on the display;

- LIST OF DRUGS - the button for displaying the current list of medications taken on the display.

The subject of the invention is explained in more detail in the embodiments in which fig. 1 shows the device for dosing drugs or dietary supplements in front view, fig. 2 - the same device in isometric views from the front, top and left side, fig. 3 - same device in a right side view, fig. 4 - same device in isometric views from the front, bottom and right side, fig. 5 - same device in top view, fig. 6 - same device with the cover removed top view, fig. 7 - the same device with the front part of the housing removed from the front, fig. 8 - the same device with the internal structure shown, fig. 9 - the same device in a tilted position on the actuator in a view from front, fig. 10 - the same device in a tilted position in isometric views from the front, top and right side, fig. 11 - the same device in a right-side view with the side housing removed, fig. 12 - a dragline with the drive module in view front isometric top and left side, while Fig. 13 shows the same device in the version for left-handed people in front view.

The device for dosing medicaments or dietary supplements, especially in the form of tablets, in the first embodiment is intended for a right-handed person. It comprises, in the housing 1, the operating module 2, the dispensing module 3, the dispensing module 4 and the base 5 with the adjusting module 6. The base 5 is also a housing for the elements of the electronic system controlling the device, including a microcomputer 7. The adjusting module 6 comprises an 8-linear actuator. The movement of the actuator 8 is controlled by a microcomputer 7. The operating module 2 is seated on the base 5 and is located in the front part of the housing 1. On the front of the operating module 2 there is a touch screen 9 for operating the device and for presenting information to the user of the device. On the left side of this display 9 there are four buttons 10, and below this display 9 there are four buttons 10. On the left side of the display 9, the buttons 10 have the designations SOS, PLAN OF THE WEEK, PLAN OF THE DAY and START. The 10a START button is embedded below the display level 9. Displays below

On the other hand, buttons 9, buttons 10 have the designations NOTE, NOTIFICATION, REPORTS and LIST OF DRUGS. The 10b DRUG SUMMARY button is placed parallel to the 10a START button. The user can control the device both by means of the display 9 and by pressing the respective buttons 10. The location of the buttons 10 is to prevent the device from accidentally activating its undesirable functions. The buttons 10 used are large and, moreover, the SOS button 9c is red in color. There is a greater distance between the 10c SOS button and the 10d PLAN OF THE WEEK button than between the other buttons 10. The NOTIFICATION button 10e has a built-in first RGB LED. The dosing module 3 has a dispenser 11 on the right side for medicines in the form of tablets. The hopper 11 is closed by a closure lid 12 having a lock. Behind the closure lid 12 is a second RGB LED 13. The dispensing module 3 comprises six dispensing containers 14 in which tablets are placed. The dispensing containers 14 are located in the upper part of the housing 1 behind the operating module 2. The tablets are fed into the dispensing container 14 through the pour 11. The dispensing containers 14 are closed with a latch with a drive module. In the lower part of the dosing container 14 there is mounted, at an acute angle to the base 5, the tube 15, which has three grooves 16 on the disc, six transport holes 17 and a drain hole 18. The tube 15 is rotated by the drive module 19, whose shafts are mounted axially in the center of the bar 15, while on the opposite side the drive module 19 is attached to the housing 1. In the upper part of the bar 15 there is a first proximity sensor 20, which checks whether the tablet 15 is removed from the bar 15. Below the tabs 15 there is a dispensing module 4, which has the shape of a funnel, at the end of which a receiving container 21. A second proximity sensor 22 is located at the mouth of the dispensing module 4, which checks whether the tablet has left the carrier 15 and whether it is being guided. The receiving container 21 is mounted on the base 5. In the base 5, under the receiving container 16, there is a pressure sensor 23. The device is powered from the mains and has the option of being powered by a battery, which maintains power in the event of a power failure.

The method of dosing drugs with the use of the device is that the device is tilted to the side by means of an actuator 8 placed in the regulating module 6. The inclination of the device is necessary to fill the dosing containers 14 with tablets. Then, the closing lid 12 of the chute 11 on the side of the housing 1 of the device is opened and the latch of the dispensing container 14 is opened and filled with tablets, while the latches of the remaining dispensing containers 14 remain closed. When all the desired dispensing containers 14 are full, the pawls are closed and the closing lid 12 is locked. The device is brought back into the vertical position by means of the actuator 8. The device is programmed by means of the touchscreen 9, whereby, in particular, data on the medicament, the number of tablets poured in, the approximate size of the poured tablets are entered, and the information is supplemented with the doctor's recommendations regarding the dosage of medications. The tablets are placed in the transport openings 17 of the bar 15. At the programmed time, the drive module 19 of the bar 15 causes the bar 15 to move and the tablet falls out of the discharge opening 18. The tablet is checked by the first proximity sensor 20. The second proximity sensor 22 checks the placement tablets in the drain hopper of the dispensing module 4, through which the tablet is placed in the receiving container 21, which is checked by a pressure sensor 23, which is placed in the base 5 under the receiving container 21. The display 9 shows information about the need for the patient to take medications. After the receiving receptacle 16 has been removed, emptied and replaced on the base 5, the timing of the medication is checked by a pressure sensor. When the dispensing container 14 is almost completely empty, information about this state is displayed on the display 9 or communicated to the user via an application installed on his smartphone. Information describing the process of taking medications, possible shortcomings and errors is collected in the database of the device's microcomputer 7 and reported to the persons previously defined in the program. The doctor may, through the website, send recommendations on the dosage of drugs, but also modify the method of their dosage during the disease.

The device for dosing medicaments or dietary supplements, especially tablets in the second embodiment, is intended for a left-handed person. It comprises, in the housing, 1 programming unit 2, dispensing unit 3, dispensing unit 4 and base 5 with control unit

The base 5 is also a housing for the elements of the electronic system controlling the device, including the microcomputer 7. The regulating module 6 comprises a linear actuator 8. The movement of the actuator 8 is controlled by a microcomputer 7. The operating module 2 is seated on the base 5 and is located in the front part of the housing 1. In the front of the operating module 2 there is a touch screen 9 for operating the device and for presenting information to the user of the device. On the left side of this display 9 there are four buttons 10, and below this display 9 there are four buttons 10. On the left side of the display 9, the buttons 10 have the designations SOS, PLAN OF THE WEEK, PLAN OF THE DAY and START. The START button 10a is embedded below the display level 9. Below the display 9, buttons 10 have the designations: NOTE, NOTIFICATION, REPORTS and LIST OF DRUGS. The 10b DRUG SUMMARY button is placed parallel to the 10a START button. The user can control the device both by means of the display 9 and by pressing the respective buttons 10. The location of the buttons 10 is to prevent the device from accidentally activating its undesirable functions. The buttons 10 used are large and, moreover, the SOS button 9c is red in color. There is a greater distance between the 10c SOS button and the 10d PLAN OF THE WEEK button than between the other buttons 10. The NOTIFICATION button 10e has a built-in first RGB LED. The dosing module 3 contains a dispenser 11 on the right side for dietary supplements in the form of capsules. The hopper 11 is closed by a closure lid 12 having a lock. Behind the closure lid 12 is a second RGB LED 13. The dispensing module 3 comprises six dispensing containers 14 in which the capsules are placed. Dosing containers 14 are located in the upper part of the housing 1 behind the operating module 2. Capsules are fed into the dispensing container 14 through the pour 11. The dispensing containers 14 are closed with a latch with the drive module. In the lower part of the dispensing container 14 there is mounted, at an acute angle to the base 5, the tube 15, which has three grooves 16, six transport holes 17 and a drain hole 18. The tube 15 is rotated by means of a drive module 19, whose shafts are axially mounted in in the middle of the bar 15, while on the opposite side, the drive module 19 is attached to the housing 1. In the upper part of the bar 15 there is a first proximity sensor 20, which checks whether the capsule placed therein is removed from the bar 15. Below the tabs 15 there is a dispensing module 4, which has the shape of a funnel, at the end of which a receiving container 21. A second proximity sensor 22 is located at the mouth of the dispensing module 4, which checks whether the capsule has left the tube 15 and whether it is directed to receiving container 21. The receiving container 21 is mounted on the base 5. In the base 5, under the receiving container 16, there is a pressure sensor 23. The device is powered by a battery, so that it can be easily carried and used also in places with limited access to current.

The method of dosing medicaments using the device consists in tilting the device to the side by means of an actuator 8 placed in the regulating module 6. The tilting of the device is necessary to fill the dosing containers 14 with capsules. Then the closing lid 12 of the chute 11 on the side of the housing 1 of the device is opened and the latch of the dispensing container 14 is opened and filled with capsules, while the latches of the remaining dispensing containers 14 above the filled dispensing container 14 remain closed. When all the desired dispensing containers 14 are full, the pawls are closed and the closing lid 12 is locked. The device is brought back into its initial position by means of the actuator 8. The device is programmed by means of the touch screen 9, whereby, in particular, data on the medicament, the number of capsules poured in, the approximate size of the poured capsules are entered, and the information is supplemented with the doctor's recommendations regarding the dosage of dietary supplements. The capsules are placed in the transport holes 17 of the bar 15. At the programmed time, the drive module 19 of the bar 15 causes the bar 15 to move and the capsule to fall out through the drain 18. The capsule is checked by the first proximity sensor 20. The second proximity sensor 22 checks the placement capsules in the drain hopper of the dispensing module 4, through which the capsule is placed in the receiving container 21, which is checked by a pressure sensor 23, which is placed in the base 5 under the receiving container 21. The display 7 shows information about the need for the patient to take dietary supplements. After the receiving bin 16 has been removed, emptied and placed back on the base 5 via the pressure sensor

The timing of the intake of dietary supplements is checked. When the dispensing container 14 is almost completely empty, the status is displayed on the display 7 or communicated to the user via a website. Information describing the process of taking dietary supplements, possible deficiencies and errors is collected in the database of the microcomputer 7 of the device and reported to people previously defined in the program. The doctor may, via the website, send recommendations on the dosage of dietary supplements, but also modify the method of their dosage during the disease. The buttons 10 control the additional functions of the device. The 10c SOS button calls for help in such a way that after pressing it, information is sent to a defined person or institution with previously edited content. The 9 most important events of the period are displayed or edited on the touchscreen display by pressing the 10d PLAN OF THE WEEK button or the 10g button. The START button starts the procedure of filling the receiving container with 21 capsules if the patient wants to withdraw the capsules earlier than the time of taking the dietary supplements. The 10f NOTE button starts the preparation of reports and notes. The first RGB LED of the NOTIFICATION button 10e informs the user about the incoming information, and after pressing the 10e NOTIFICATION button, the information is displayed on the display 9. After pressing the 10h button REPORTS, reports on the medications taken and their deficiencies or errors while taking them are displayed on the display 9. By pressing the 10b button. DRUG LISTS the display 9 shows the current list of medications or dietary supplements taken.

List of drawing markings

- housing

- operating module

- dosing module

- issuing module

- base

- regulating module

- microcomputer

- actuator

- display

- a button - START button b - DRUG CHART button c - SOS button e - WEEKLY PLAN button f - NOTE button g - DAY PLAN button h - REPORTS button

- pour

- closing lid

- second RGB diode

- dosing container

- orcap

- groove

- transport hole

- drain hole

- drive module

- the first proximity sensor

- receiving container

- second proximity sensor

- pressure sensor

Claims (31)

Patent claims A device for dosing drugs or dietary supplements, in particular in the form of tablets, containing a touchscreen display in a housing, a microcomputer and containing a dispensing container and a receiving container, characterized in that it includes in the housing (1) a handling module (2), a dispensing module (3) ), a dispensing module (4) and a base (5) with the adjusting module (6), the dispensing module (3) comprising at least two dispensing containers (14) and the receiving container (21) at the end of the dispensing module (4) . 2. The device according to claim The device of claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting module (6) comprises an actuator (8). 3. The device according to claim A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuator (8) is linear. 4. The device according to claim The method of claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the actuator (8) is controlled by a microcomputer (7). 5. The device according to claim 1 3. The method of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the dosing module (3) comprises an insert (11) for tablets or capsules. 6. The device according to claim 1 5. The hopper (11) is located on the side of the housing (1). The device according to claim 1 The hopper (11) has a closing lid (12). 8. The device according to claim 1 7. The device of claim 7, characterized in that the closing lid (12) has a lock. 9. The device according to claim 1 The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that behind the closing lid (12) there is a second RGB diode (13). 10. The device according to claim 1 Any of the claims 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9, characterized in that there are six dispensing containers (14). 11. The device according to claim 1 1 or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, characterized in that the dispensing container (14) is closed by a latch with the drive module. 12. The device according to claim 1 1 or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, characterized in that in the lower part of the dispensing container (14) there is a tab (15). 13. The device according to claim 1, 12. The bar as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the bar (15) is seated at an acute angle with respect to the base (5). 14. The device according to claim 1 12 or 13, characterized in that the first proximity sensor (20) is provided in the upper part of the tab (15). 15. The device of claim 1, 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that the bar (15) has grooves (16), transport holes (17) and a drain hole (18) in the disc. 16. The devices according to claim 16 15. The device of claim 15, characterized in that the grooves (16) are arranged radially. 17. The device according to claim 1, 15. The method of claim 15 or 16, characterized in that there are three grooves (16). 18. The device of claim 1 15. The method of claim 15, characterized in that there are six transport openings (17). 19. The device of claim 1 12 or 13 or 14 or 15 or 16 or 17 or 18, characterized in that the bar (15) has a drive module (19). 20. The device of claim 1 19, characterized in that the drive module (19) of the bar (15) has shafts axially mounted inside the bar (15). 21. The device according to claim 1 1 or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or 17, or 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that the dispensing module (4) has the shape of a funnel. 22. The device according to claim 1 1 or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or 17, or 18 or 19 or 20 or 21, characterized in that at the end of the dispensing unit (4) there is a second proximity sensor (22). 23. The device of claim 1 1 or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or 17, or 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22, characterized in that the receiving container (21) is seated on the base (5), the base (5) under the receiving container (21) having a pressure sensor (23). ). The device of claim 24 1 or 2, or 3, or 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or 17, or 18, or 19, or 20, or 21, or 22, or 23, characterized in that the device is powered from the mains. PL 236 477 B1 The device according to claim 25 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or 17, or 18, or 19, or 20, or 21, or 22, or 23, or 24, characterized in that the it is on battery. 26. The device of claim 1 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 9 or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or 17, or 18, or 19, or 20, or 21, or 22, or 23, or 24, or 25, characterized by that there is at least one button (10) on the programming unit (2). The device of claim 27 25, characterized in that the programming unit (2) has eight buttons (10). The device of claim 28 26 or 27, characterized in that at least four buttons (10) are located on the right side of the display (9). 29. The device of claim 1 26 or 27, characterized in that at least four buttons (10) are arranged on the left side of the display (9). 30. The device of claim 1 26 or 27 or 28 or 29, characterized in that at least four buttons (10) are arranged below the display (9). 31. The device of claim 1 26 or 27 or 28 or 29 or 30, characterized in that the at least one button (10) has a first RGB LED.