BR112020008858A2 - temperature controlled dispensing drawer - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a device for dispensing items that includes a cabinet, and a drawer inside the cabinet. The drawer includes one or more compartments for storing items and a cooling system inside the drawer. The cooling system is configured to keep the one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the cabinet. The drawer additionally includes thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and thermal insulation under one or more compartments. The cooling system can be a thermoelectric cooling system.

Description

"TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED DISPENSER" BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims priority to Patent Application No. U.S. Nos. 15 / 816,775, filed on November 17, 2017, entitled “DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED DRAWERS,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 129,579, filed on September 12, 2018, entitled “TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED DISPENSE DRAWER”. The entire disclosures of the above requests are incorporated into this document as a reference, for all purposes, as if fully presented in this document.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many industries are based on accurate inventory and safe item dispensing. For example, in a hospital setting, it is extremely important that patients are given the correct medications at the correct doses. In addition, it is legally necessary for controlled substances to be insured and precisely tracked, and it is also important that inventories of medications and supplies are tracked so that appropriate business controls can be implemented.

[0003] Different - medications - may have different storage needs. For example, some medications or supplies may require refrigeration, while others may not. Items that require refrigeration can present special difficulties, since they are typically and simply stored in a refrigerator. Although the refrigerator can be locked, once the refrigerator is accessed, all items in the refrigerator are accessible and subject to erroneous recovery, fun, or other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect, a device for dispensing items comprises a cabinet and a drawer within the cabinet. The drawer includes one or more compartments for storing items. The device additionally includes a cooling system inside the drawer.

The cooling system is configured to keep the one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the cabinet.

The drawer additionally comprises thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and thermal insulation under one or more compartments.

In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises a computerized controller coupled to the drawer, the controller controlling access to the drawer.

In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises a temperature probe inside the drawer, the temperature probe provides a signal to the computerized controller that indicates a temperature inside the drawer, and the computerized controller provides information about the temperature in the drawer to a user of the device .

In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises a temperature buffer that surrounds the temperature probe.

In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises one or more actuators controllable by the computerized controller and coupled to the covers of the respective one or more compartments, in which the one or more actuators are arranged outside an interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulator on the sides of the drawer and the thermal insulation under one or more compartments.

In some embodiments, the one or more actuators comprise one or more solenoids.

In some embodiments, the one or more actuators are mounted on one or more printed circuit boards that are also arranged outside the interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and the thermal insulation under the one or more compartments.

In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises one or more lights corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, respectively, and the controller is configured to, upon determining which particular compartment should be accessed: actuate one of the actuators corresponding to the particular compartment to unlock the particular compartment; and illuminate one of the lights corresponding to the particular compartment. In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises an overlapping mechanism accessible from outside the drawer, the overlapping mechanism mechanically moving one or more actuators to manually unlock the compartments. In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises an insulation panel inside the cabinet, where the insulation panel is positioned on a top side of the drawer when the drawer is closed and inside the cabinet, and the insulation panel remains inside the cabinet. when the drawer is opened. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a top insulation panel coupled to the drawer, wherein the top insulation panel is slidable in relation to the drawer to expose one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a compressor and condenser arranged at the rear of the drawer, and an evaporator arranged between the one or more compartments in the drawer and the insulator under the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the evaporator is a plate evaporator. In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises a fan, in which the fan pushes air out of the drawer through the condenser. In some embodiments, the drawer defines an air flow path through which the fan blows air, and the air flow path is open to the environment surrounding the case on the front side of the case so that air enters the air path. air flow at the front of the case, and the fan escapes the air out of the back of the case. In some embodiments, the airflow path is defined at least partially within the thermal insulator under the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises one or more additional drawers, at least one of which is not refrigerated.

[0005] According to another aspect, a drawer comprises an external housing, insulation that defines a climate controlled interior of the drawer, and a cooling system that has a compressor and condenser arranged inside the drawer, but outside the climate controlled interior of the drawer, and that has an evaporator arranged inside the climate-controlled interior of the drawer. The drawer additionally comprises a divider that defines one or more compartments within the climate-controlled interior of the drawer; one or more lids covering the one or more compartments; an electrical interface for receiving power and control signals; and one or more actuators coupled to one or more covers to lock and unlock the one or more compartments in response to control signals received through the electrical interface. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators are arranged outside the climate-controlled interior of the drawer. In some embodiments, the drawer additionally comprises one or more lights corresponding to one or more compartments, the lights being responsive to control signals received through the electrical interface. In some embodiments, the drawer additionally comprises an air intake at the front of the drawer; an airflow channel arranged at least partially within an insulation panel under the climate-controlled interior of the drawer; and a fan that draws air into the air intake, through the airflow channel, and through the condenser, and air escapes out of the rear side of the drawer. In some embodiments, the air intake is hidden inside a handle on the front side of the drawer.

[0006] According to another aspect, a drawer comprises an external housing, insulation that defines an insulated drawer interior, an air inlet on one first side of the drawer, an air outlet on a second side of the drawer, and a fan . The fan draws air at the air inlet and air escapes out of the air outlet, and between the air inlet and the air outlet, air flows through an air flow path defined at least in part by the insulator. In some embodiments, the drawer additionally comprises a cooling system that cools the insulated interior of the drawer, in which the fan causes air outside the drawer to flow through a condenser of the cooling system. In some embodiments, the first side of the drawer is a front part of the drawer, and the air inlet is hidden inside a handle on the front side of the drawer.

[0007] According to another aspect, a device for dispensing items comprises a cabinet and a drawer inside the cabinet. The drawer includes one or more compartments for storing items. The device additionally includes a cooling system inside the drawer. The cooling system is configured to keep the one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the cabinet. The drawer additionally comprises thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and thermal insulation under one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. In some embodiments, the cooling system is a thermoelectric cooling system. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system additionally comprises a fan configured to circulate air inside the drawer. In some embodiments, the cooling system - thermoelectric = comprises - additionally a fan configured both to escape heat from the thermoelectric cooling unit and to cause airflow under or around the drawer thermal insulation. In some embodiments, at least some of the compartments are defined by perforated walls that allow air in circulation to pass through the walls and through the compartments. In some embodiments, lids of at least some compartments whose walls are perforated include downward ribs that protrude into the compartments when the lids are closed. In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises a computerized controller coupled to the drawer, the controller controlling access to the drawer. In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises a temperature probe inside the drawer, and the temperature probe provides a signal to the computerized controller that indicates a temperature inside the drawer. In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises one or more actuators controllable by the computerized controller and attached to the lids of the respective one or more compartments, and the one or more actuators are arranged outside an interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and the thermal insulation under the one or more compartments.

In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises magnetic locks in at least some of the compartments, and the magnetic locks are controlled by the computerized controller to lock and unlock the covers of their respective compartments.

In some embodiments, each of the magnetic locks comprises a permanent magnet attached to the cover of the respective compartment and an electromagnet fixed to a wall of the compartment so that the permanent magnet contacts the electromagnet when the cover is closed, and the controller unlocks the compartment causing current to pass through the electromagnet, causing the electromagnet to repel the permanent magnet.

In some embodiments, the one or more actuators comprise one or more solenoids.

In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises one or more sensors configured to capture the positions of the lids of the respective one or more compartments.

In some embodiments, each of the sensors is disposed outside the interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and the thermal insulation under the one or more compartments, and is attached to its respective cover.

In some embodiments, each of the sensors is coupled to its respective cover by means of a joint that crosses the thermal insulator of the drawer.

In some embodiments, each of the sensors is coupled to its respective cover by means of a sheathed cable that crosses the thermal insulation of the drawer.

In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises one or more lights corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, respectively, and the controller is configured to, upon determining which particular compartment should be accessed: actuating one of the actuators corresponding to the particular compartment to unlock the particular compartment; and illuminate one of the lights corresponding to the particular compartment. In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises an overlapping mechanism accessible from outside the drawer, with the overlapping mechanism mechanically moving one or more actuators to manually unlock one or more of the compartments. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system comprises a closed cooling cycle that contains a heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid is maintained at a pressure so that its boiling point is approximately at the desired temperature inside the drawer. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid is maintained at a pressure so that its boiling point is between 2 ºC and 8 ºC. The heat transfer fluid can be carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system, which includes the closed cooling cycle and the heat transfer fluid, forms a heat pipe that operates by natural convection.

[0008] According to another aspect, a drawer comprises an external housing, insulation that defines a climate-controlled interior of the drawer, and a thermoelectric cooling system arranged on a side wall of the drawer. The thermoelectric cooling system is configured to keep the drawer interior at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the drawer. The drawer additionally comprises a set of walls that define one or more compartments within the climate-controlled interior of the drawer, one or more covers that cover the one or more compartments, an electrical interface for receiving power and control signals, and one or more actuators coupled to one or more covers to lock and unlock the one or more compartments in response to control signals received through the electrical interface. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators are arranged outside the climate-controlled interior of the drawer.

In some embodiments, the drawer additionally comprises one or more lights corresponding to one or more compartments, the lights being responsive to control signals received through the electrical interface. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system is configured to circulate cooled air inside the drawer. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system includes a closed cooling cycle that contains a heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid is carbon dioxide maintained at a pressure so that its boiling point is between 2 ºC and 8 ºC.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a dispensing cabinet in which the invention can be incorporated.

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates a portable dispensing device in which the invention can be incorporated.

[0011] Figure 3 shows an upper frontal oblique view of a drawer, according to the modalities of the invention.

[0012] Figure 4 shows an oblique upper rear view of the drawer of Figure 3, according to modalities of the invention.

[0013] Figure 5 shows an exploded top view of the drawer of Figure 3, according to modalities of the invention.

[0014] Figure 6 shows an exploded bottom view of the drawer of Figure 3, according to modalities of the invention.

[0015] Figure 7 shows an oblique view of the bottom side of the drawer of Figure 3, with its bottom cover removed.

[0016] Figure 8 shows an oblique rear upper view of the drawer of Figure 3, according to modalities of the invention.

[0017] Figure 9 illustrates a partial view of the cabinet of Figure 1, with an insulation panel in place according to modalities of the invention.

[0018] Figure 10 illustrates another modality of the

Figure 1 with an insulation panel in place according to the modalities of the invention.

[0019] Figure 11 shows an upper oblique view of the top of the drawer of Figure 3 with many components removed, to reveal a mechanism for achieving computer control of access to individual storage containers within the drawer, according to modalities of the invention.

[0020] Figure 12 shows a portion of Figure 11 in more detail.

[0021] Figure 13 shows a lid of a compartment of the drawer of Figure 3 in an open position, according to modalities of the invention.

[0022] Figure 14 shows an oblique rear upper view of the drawer of Figure 3, with several components removed, according to modalities of the invention.

[0023] Figure 15 shows an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 14.

[0024] Figure 16 illustrates the installation of an insulation panel in the drawer of Figure 3, according to the modalities of the invention.

[0025] Figure 17 illustrates an overlapping mechanism according to the modalities of the invention.

[0026] Figure 18 shows a portion of Figure 17 in more detail.

[0027] Figure 19 illustrates a basic thermoelectric module, according to the modalities of the invention.

[0028] Figure 20 illustrates a cooling unit that includes the thermoelectric module of Figure 19, according to the modalities of the invention.

[0029] Figure 21 illustrates a drawer that uses the thermoelectric cooling unit of Figure 20 to cool the interior of the drawer, according to the modalities of the invention.

[0030] Figure 22 shows an exploded view of the Figure 21 drawer

[0031] Figure 23 illustrates an exploded view of a drawer that has a cooling system according to other modalities.

[0032] Figure 24 illustrates a way of allowing the opening of lids in a drawer, according to the modalities of the invention.

[0033] Figure 25 shows the system of Figure 24, with an open lid.

[0034] Figure 26 shows the layout of Figure 24 in more detail.

[0035] Figure 27 illustrates another technique for locking and unlocking the lids of a dispensing drawer, according to other modalities of the invention.

[0036] Figure 28 shows the system of Figure 27 with a lid in an open position.

[0037] Figure 29 illustrates a refrigerated drawer according to other embodiments of the invention.

[0038] Figure 30 shows a partial bottom side view of the drawer in Figure 29.

[0039] Figure 31 illustrates a refrigerated drawer according to other embodiments of the invention.

[0040] Figure 32 illustrates how two actuators can be mounted outside insulation in a drawer according to the modalities of the invention.

[0041] Figure 33 illustrates a compartment that has a cover and a magnetic lock, according to the modalities of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates a dispensing cabinet 100 according to the modalities of the invention. Cabinet 100 includes a plurality of compartments, including drawers 101a, 101b, and 107, and compartments accessible through doors 102a and 102b. The dispensing cabinet 100 also includes a computerized controller 103, and one or more input devices, such as keypad 104 and numeric keypad 105. A display 106 allows information to be communicated to a user of dispensing cabinet 100. According to with embodiments of the invention, drawer 107 includes a cooling system as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, a dispensing cabinet may also include other devices.

[0043] Although devices incorporating the invention can be used in a variety of applications, modalities can be particularly useful in the medical field. For example, dispensing cabinet 100 can store medications or medical supplies, and can facilitate accurate dispensing and tracking of medications or other medical supplies.

[0044] Computerized controller 103 may include a processor, memory, input / output interfaces, and other components. Controller 103 can communicate remotely with other computerized systems, such as medical records systems, inventory and accounting systems, and the like.

[0045] The various storage compartments such as drawers 101a, 101b, and 107 can be under the control of the controller

103. For example, each drawer 101a, 101b, and 107 may include an electronically controllable locking mechanism, and may only be openable under controller control 103. In addition, controller 103 can store information about which supplies are stored in which medication storage cabinet compartments 100. In a typical basic use situation, a health care worker can enter, using the 104 keyboard or other input device, an identification of a patient who is under care of the health care worker, and who will need medicine during the worker's current rounds. Controller 103 can access the patient's medical file and determine which medications have been prescribed for that patient. Controller 103 can then allow access only to the drawer or drawers containing the medications prescribed for the patient. A particular compartment, such as a container inside the correct drawer, can also be detached, for example, with a lighted indicator, to extract the health care worker to the correct medication. The healthcare worker can then remove the prescribed medication from the patient. The level of control exercised by controller 103 can help prevent dosing medication errors, reducing the likelihood that a healthcare worker will remove an incorrect medication from the medication dispensing cabinet 100. Additionally, controller 103 can document and record which drug has been dispensed, and can forward that information through a wired or wireless electronic network to inventory and accounting systems.

[0046] Many other features and functions are also possible. For example, the health care worker (or worker) can also enter their identification, and controller 103 can provide access only to those medications and supplies that the worker is authorized to access.

[0047] Although medication dispensing cabinet 100 is shown as a stationary device, the invention is not so limited. Cabinets according to other modalities can be portable, for example, to facilitate the transport of medications and supplies from a central supply store to a private ward or facility department. It will be recognized that the particular arrangement of drawers, doors, or other features of a cabinet according to the modalities of the invention can be varied. For example, some cabinets or dispensing carts that incorporate the invention may use only drawers. Many different compartment sizes and styles can be used, depending on the sizes of materials to be dispensed, and the level of security required for them.

[0048] A cabinet incorporating the invention may include guides or mounting features spaced at a standardized distance, and different drawers may cover different multiples of the spacing distance. A drawer that covers only the spacing distance can be called a "single" height drawer. A drawer that spans twice the spacing distance can be called a "double" height drawer. Triple-height or higher drawers are also possible. A cabinet, such as cabinet 100, can be configured with combinations of drawer heights, depending on the sizes of the items to be stored. In the example in Figure 1, drawer 101b is a single height drawer, while drawer 107 is a triple height drawer.

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates a portable dispensing device 200 in which the invention can be incorporated. Preferably, the portable dispensing device 200 can perform functions similar to those described above in relation to the dispensing cabinet 100. The dispensing device 200 includes wheels 201 to allow a healthcare worker to rotate the device from room to room. The dispensing device 200 may include one or more batteries, to supply a computerized controller that performs tasks similar to the controller 103 discussed above, and to provide power for other functions of the dispensing device 200. Additionally, the dispensing device 200 may preferably be connected to mains power when convenient, to charge the batteries and to power the device without extracting from the battery when the device will be in a particular location for a period of time. Various input / output devices 202 can be provided, and can be specially adapted for portability, for example, to minimize power consumption. The dispensing device 200 also includes several drawers 203 of varying heights. Each drawer 203 may include a visual indicator 204 to guide a user to a particular drawer 203, as explained in more detail below. One or more of the drawers 203 may include a cooling system in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Other drawers inside cabinet 100 may not be refrigerated.

[0050] Other types of dispensing units in which the invention can be incorporated or which include resources usable with modalities of the invention are described in US Patents and jointly owned patent applications, the content of which is incorporated by reference into this document. : US Patent 6,272,394, issued on August 7, 2001 by Lipps, US Patent 6,385,505, issued on May 7, 2002 by Lipps, US Patent 6,760,643, issued on July 6, 2004 by Lipps, US Patent No. 5,805,455, issued September 8, 1998 by Lipps, US Patent

6,609,047, issued on August 19, 2003 by Lipps, U.S. Patent No.

5,805,456, issued on September 8, 1998 by Higham et al, US Patent No. 5,745,366, issued on April 28, 1998 by Higham et al., US Patent 5,905,653, issued on May 18, 1999 by Higham et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,927,540, issued July 27, 1999 by Godlewski, U.S. Patent No.

6,039,467, issued March 21, 2000 by Holmes, U.S. Patent No.

6,640,159, issued on October 28, 2003 by Holmes et al., US Patent No. 6,151,536, issued on November 21, 2000 by Arnold et al., US Patent 5,377,864, issued on January 3, 1995 by Blechl et al., US Patent No. 5,190,185, issued on March 2, 1993 by Blechl, US Patent No.

6,975,922, issued on December 13, 2005 by Duncan et al., US Patent No. 7,571,024, issued on August 4, 2009 by Duncan et al., US Patent 7,835,819, issued on November 16, 2010 by Duncan et al., US Patent 6,011,999, issued on January 4, 2000 by Holmes, US Patent 7,348,884, issued on March 25, 2008 by Higham, US Patent

7,675,421, issued March 9, 2010 by Higham, U.S. Patent No.

6,170,929, issued on January 9, 2001 by Wilson et al., U.S. Patent No.

8,126,590, issued on February 28, 2012 by Vahlberg et al., Patent No. US 8,280,550, issued on October 2, 2012 by Levy et al., And Patent Application Publication No. US 2012/0203377 by Paydar et al., published on August 9, 2012.

[0051] Figure 3 shows an upper frontal oblique view of drawer 107 in more detail, according to the modalities of the invention. Drawer 107 has a front side 301, a rear side 302, and right and left sides 303 and 304, as seen from the front side 301. The front side 301 is the side that would be shown on the front of a cabinet once the drawer 107 is installed in the cabinet, and is the side from which a user would access drawer 107. Drawer 107 can include guides 305 to mount drawer 107 in a cabinet such as cabinet 100, and allow the drawer to slide open (in the direction front side 301) and closed (with drawer 107 substantially and completely inside the cabinet). One or more pieces of fascia 306 provide a decorative appearance to the front of drawer 107, can provide an undercut handle for the user to grip the opening drawer 107, and can include other features as described in more detail below.

[0052] The front portion 307 of drawer 107 includes several compartments, which, in Figure 3 are covered by covers 308. The rear portion 309 houses parts of a cooling system, described in more detail below.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an upper rear oblique view of drawer 107. A mechanical lock 401 can be provided, which can interact with cabinet 100. For example, controller 103 can control the lock so that drawer 107 can be open only if a worker requesting access to drawer 107 has provided the appropriate credentials. Lids 308 can be similarly controllable, so that only the storage location that holds the necessary medication or supplies is open to the worker.

[0054] Several electrical connectors 402 can be provided, to which cables (not shown) can be attached, so that drawer 107 can receive electrical power from cabinet 100 and can communicate with controller 103.

[0055] Figures 5 and 6 show exploded top and bottom views of drawer 107, according to the modalities of the invention. The interior of drawer 107 is essentially surrounded by insulation, including side insulation panels 501, rear insulation panel 502, front insulation panel 503, and bottom insulation panel 504. Insulation panels 501 to 504 can be made of any material suitable insulator, for example, a moldable foam insulator, such as polyisocyanurate, polystyrene, polyurethane, or other type of insulation. Although four different insulation panels are shown, the insulation can be formed by more or less different segments. For example, the front insulation panel 503 can be molded monolithic with the bottom insulation panel 504. Other combinations are also possible. (Insulation of the top of drawer 107 will be discussed below.)

[0056] Compartments 505 reside in the chamber formed by insulating panels 501 to 504. Compartments 505 can be defined by a divider produced from any suitable material and formed by any suitable process, but can be conveniently molded from a polymer, such as polycarbonate, ABS, another polymer, or a mixture of polymers. In other embodiments, compartments 505 can be produced from a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable metal. Compartments 505 can be integrally formed from a single piece of material, or they can be separated from each other and placed in drawer 107 in any workable combination. 505 compartments are covered by covers 308.

[0057] A 506 evaporator is disposed between compartments

505 and bottom insulation panel 504. Evaporator 506 is part of a cooling system integrated in drawer 107. Evaporator 506 can be, for example, a plate evaporator, formed by laminating two sheets of metal with a pattern of channels marked on them, and then inflating the channels to form a network or coil passage through the channels for the refrigerant flow. The evaporator 506 absorbs thermal energy from the interior of the drawer 107 due to its low temperature, and door it out of the interior of the drawer 107, cooling the interior of the drawer 107, including compartments 505.

[0058] Other parts of the cooling system include a compressor 507 and a condenser 508, along with an expansion valve (not shown). These parts of the components that implement a traditional refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration system preferably uses a refrigerant that does not contain chlorinated fluorocarbons (CFCs).

[0059] A fan 509 extracts air through condenser 508 to cool the refrigerant after the refrigerant has been heated in the evaporator 506 and compressed in the compressor 507, to expel thermal energy out of cabinet 100.

[0060] A glycol bottle 510 can be supplied, and can fit in a special compartment 511 inside drawer 107, with its own lid 512. Preferably, a temperature sensor is submerged in glycol inside the 510 bottle, and connected to controller 103 so that controller 103 can monitor the temperature inside drawer 107. The glycol serves to buffer the rapid fluctuation sensor at apparent temperature that can be caused by, for example, openings in drawer 107 of cabinet 100. In In some embodiments, controller 103 can signal the cooling system to cycle between on and off based on the temperature as captured by the temperature sensor.

[0061] Figure 7 shows an oblique view of the bottom side of drawer 107, with its bottom cover removed, exposing bottom insulation panel 504. In this exemplary embodiment, bottom insulation panel 504 has an air flow path in funnel shape 701 molded in it. When drawer 107 is fully assembled, a bottom panel (not shown) forms the remaining side of airflow path 701. The air can enter airflow path 701 through an opening in the front side of drawer 107, for example. example, a hidden opening in one of the fascia pieces 306. The funnel shape of the airflow path 701 directs air to condenser 508 under the impetus of fan 509 (not visible in Figure 7). After flow through condenser 508, air is escaped to the environment at the rear of cabinet 100.

[0062] This airflow arrangement serves multiple purposes. First, it provides cooling air to condenser 508, to cool the refrigerant in the refrigeration system as part of the refrigeration cycle. Air is escaped from the rear of the cabinet 100 instead of the front, which may be preferred for user comfort. And second, the airflow under insulation panel 504 can evaporate and escape any condensation that may form under insulation panel 504. Counterweights 702 can hold the back cover away from insulation panel 504, allowing at least a small amount air flow 703 flows substantially over the entire underside of insulation panel 504.

[0063] Figure 8 shows an oblique rear rear view of drawer 107, according to the modalities of the invention. The view in Figure 8 is similar to the view in Figure 4, with the addition of a top insulation panel

801. The top insulation panel 801 can be shaped and sized to slide into an open recess left at the top of drawer 107 by the other components. For example, the top insulation panel 801 can fit between the tops of the side insulation panels 501 and can come in contact with the front insulation panel 503 when the top insulation panel 801 is fully installed in drawer 107. The top insulation panel 801 can also contact the rear insulation panel

502 (not visible in Figure 8) so that the interior of drawer 107 is essentially enclosed in the insulator. The top insulation panel 108 is preferably mounted in the cabinet 100 so that the top insulation panel 801 remains inside the cabinet 100 when drawer 107 is opened, so as not to interfere with access to compartments in drawer 107. When the drawer 107 is closed, the top insulation panel 801 automatically covers drawer 107 again.

[0064] In other embodiments, the top insulation panel 801 can move with drawer 107 when drawer 107 is opened, and the user can simply slide the top insulation panel 801 back towards cabinet 100 to obtain access to the inside of drawer 107.

[0065] The top insulation panel 801 can be produced from any suitable material, for example, a material similar to the material of the other insulation panels, or a different material.

[0066] Figure 9 illustrates a partial view of cabinet 100 with insulation panel 801 in place above drawer 107. Drawers immediately above drawer 107 have been removed. Drawer 107 is opened and closed, insulation panel 801 remains in place, so that the interior of drawer 107 is accessible when drawer 107 is opened, but drawer 107 is fully insulated when closed. In the example in Figure 9, a support 901 holds insulation panel 801 in place within cabinet 100, and drawer 107 slides under insulation panel 801. However, other arrangements are possible.

[0067] For example, Figure 10 illustrates another modality, in which the insulation panel 801 is slidably captured within a groove 1001 on the side of drawer 107. The insulation panel 801 can be attached to a rear wall of the cabinet 100 so that insulation panel 801 does not slide out of cabinet 100 when drawer 107 is opened. In other embodiments, the insulation panel 801 can simply be pushed back by the user to expose the interior of drawer 107 when drawer 107 is opened.

[0068] Due to the fact that the interior of drawer 107 is at a cold temperature, it may be desirable to keep electronic and electromechanical components outside the interior of drawer 107 to the extent possible, to avoid potential cold-induced problems. For example, Figure 11 shows an upper oblique view of the top of drawer 107 with many components removed, to reveal a mechanism for achieving computer control of access to individual storage containers in drawer 107. Figure 12 shows a portion of Figure 11 in more detail. In this example, cover 1101 includes a lever 1102 configured to rotate with cover 1101 around a geometry axis 1103. In the position shown, a blade 1104 connected to a solenoid armature 1105 blocks the rotation of lever 1102, and therefore , of lid 1101. In this condition, the container under lid 1101 is locked.

[0069] However, when solenoid 1105 is energized, for example, under control of controller 103, blade 1104 is removed, allowing lever 1102 and cover 1101 to rotate to an open position. Figure 13 shows the cover 1101 in the open position. For example, the user can lift cover 1101 using finger pull 1301 once solenoid 1105 has released the cover. Once the user has finished accessing the container under lid 1101, the user can simply push lid 1101 back to the closed position. Lever 1102 interacts with the angled top of blade 1104 to deflect blade 1104 downward to allow lever 1102 to pass. Once lever 1102 has passed blade 1104, blade 1104 can return to its upward normal position under the action of a spring (not visible in Figure 13), which locks cover 1101 in the closed position.

[0070] Solenoids 1105 are just one example of a type of actuator that can be used to control access to compartments in drawer 107, and other types of actuators can be used, for example,

magnetic actuators, motors with appropriate joints, or other types of actuators.

[0071] The architecture of the drawer 107 can at least partially protect the solenoid 1105 and its drive electronics from the cold environment inside the drawer 107. Figure 14 shows an oblique rear top view of the drawer 107, with several components removed, and Figure 15 shows an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 14. A printed circuit board 1401 is mounted on the side 1402 of drawer 107. Several solenoids 1105 are mounted to circuit board 1401, and are connected via connectors 1501 to another set of circuits (not shown) and eventually to controller 103. Similar components can also be attached to the inner face on the other side 1403 of drawer 107, but are not visible in Figure 14.

[0072] Several sensors 1502 can be provided, to provide positive feedback when the lever 1102 of one of the covers 308 is in the closed position. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 1503 can be present and also controllable by controller 103, to visually indicate the state of particular components through light tubes 1504, which extend to the top of drawer 107.

[0073] With printed circuit board 1401 in place, including solenoids 1105, the insulation of drawer 107 can be put in place, as shown in Figure 16. For example, side insulation panel 501 includes several recesses 1601 to accommodate the printed circuit board 1401 and components therein, including solenoids 1105. Since side insulation panel 501 is in place in drawer 107, printed circuit board 1401 and its associated components are positioned outside the refrigerated interior of drawer 107. Several slots 1602 in insulation panel 501 provide access to components on circuit board 1401, and are as small as possible so as not to compromise the insulation effect of insulation panel 501 more than necessary.

[0074] In some embodiments, a manual override mechanism is provided, to unlock the compartments in drawer 107 manually, without depending on the controller 103. This capacity can be useful, for example, during a power interruption or other occasion when the controller 103 is unable to open the compartments. Figures 17 and 18 illustrate an exemplary soprebosition mechanism. An overlay plate 1701 fits under the insulator (not shown) at the bottom of drawer 107, and includes mounts 1702 on the sides of drawer 107 corresponding to solenoids 1105. The mounts 1702 can extend into the temperature-controlled interior of drawer 107, through slits in the bottom insulation panel. The overlay plate 1701 can be accessible from the bottom of drawer 107. For example, a user can insert a finger through hole 1703 in the bottom plate 1704 of drawer 107, to actuate the overlay plate 1701 against a spring 1705.

[0075] As best seen in Figure 18, when the overlay plate 1701 is actuated, a ramp feature 1801 on each riser 1702 interacts with a pin 1802 in the armature 1803 of the corresponding solenoid 1105, which extracts the armature 1803 and blade 1104 to low. With blade 1104 removed, the corresponding cover is unlocked, as described above and shown in Figure 13.

[0076] In another embodiment, a dispensing device uses a thermoelectric cooling system, instead of a cooling system that has a compressor and condenser as described above.

[0077] Figure 19 illustrates a basic thermoelectric module

1900. Several 1901 columns are composed of alternating Ne P type semiconductors. The 1901 columns are electrically connected in series between electrodes 1902, and are thermally in parallel between the heated side plate 1903 and cold side plate 1904. When a DC voltage is imposed on electrodes 1902, heat is transported from the side plate cold 1904 to the heated side plate 1903, cooling the cold side plate 1904 and heating the heated side plate 1903. The plates 1903 and 1904 are made of a thermally conductive material. The 1900 module, alone or in combination with other similar modules, can be used to cool or heat spaces. Thermoelectric cooling has the advantage that it does not need moving parts. A thermoelectric module, such as a 1900 module, may be capable of carrying up to about 15 to 30 watts or more of heat for each square inch of module, measured in a zero temperature differential.

[0078] Figure 20 illustrates a cooling unit 2000 according to the modalities of the invention, to cool a space 2001 on one side of the panel 2002. Several thermoelectric modules 1900 are sandwiched in thermal contact between a finned cold side heatsink 2003 and a finned hot side heatsink 2004. Thermoelectric modules 1900 are positioned and energized to transport heat from the cold side heatsink 2003 to the hot side heatsink 2004, thereby cooling the cold side heatsink 2003. One 2005 cold-side fan is configured to force air from the cooled space 2001 to the fins of the cold-side heat sink 2003. The air is cooled by its contact with the cold-side heat sink 2003 (which is, in turn, cooled by thermoelectric modules 1900), and escapes through the fins of the cold side heatsink 2003 back to the cooled space 2001. Thus, the air in the cooled space 2001 is additionally cold you.

[0079] A 2006 hot side fan is configured to extract air from the 2004 hot side heat sink fins. The air is heated by its contact with the 2004 hot side heat sink, and is escaped through the heat sink fins. 2004 hot side heat to space on the hot side of the system.

[0080] It will be recognized that the direction of airflow through either one or both of the 2005 and 2006 fans could be reversed from the orientation shown in Figure 20.

[0081] Figure 21 illustrates a drawer 2100 that uses the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 to cool the interior of the drawer, according to the modalities of the invention. Drawer 2100 is similar in many ways to drawer 107 described above, in that drawer 2100 is configured to be inserted into a dispensing cabinet, such as dispensing cabinet 100. Drawer 2100 has several compartments for storing items, and compartments are covered by individually lockable covers

2101. Any suitable number of compartments can be provided, depending on the size of drawer 2100 and the sizes of items to be stored in drawer 2100. The compartments can be of different sizes, or they can all be the same size.

[0082] Figure 22 illustrates an exploded view of drawer 2100. The interior of drawer 2100 is preferably aligned with insulation 2201, to reduce the amount of energy needed to cool the interior space. The 2000 thermoelectric cooling unit mounts to any convenient wall of drawer 2100, in this example, the rear wall 2202. The thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 draws its power from the electronics of drawer 2100 (not shown) and, finally, from cabinet 100 The thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 is positioned to transport heat from inside the drawer 2100 to the space outside the drawer 2100. The fans of the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 serve to circulate the air inside drawer 2100 to cool the inside of drawer 2100, and to provide air flow to the external heat sink of the 2000 thermoelectric cooling unit to escape heat out of the 2100 drawer.

[0083] In some embodiments, the cooling unit 2000 fan outside drawer 2100 can be positioned, channeled, or otherwise arranged to also provide air flow under or around the insulated drawer space 2100. For example, the fan, in addition to providing airflow over the heat sink of the 2000 thermoelectric cooling unit, can provide airflow under the insulated drawer space

2100 similar to the air flow shown in Figure 7, to help prevent condensation at the bottom of drawer 2100. Figure 29 and Figure 30 illustrate a mode in which the cooling unit 2000 was enclosed in a 2901 housing, which is connected in its bottom end 2902 to a full space 3001 under insulation 2201. The external fan of the cooling unit 2000 generates airflow 2903 outside the housing 2901. Figure 30 shows a bottom side view of the drawer 2100 with its bottom cover removed . As seen in Figures 29 and 30, the air flow 2903 passes under insulation 2201 before being channeled upward to the enclosure 2901 and out to the surrounding environment.

[0084] Any other suitable arrangement can be used to create airflow under or around the insulated space of the 2100 drawer. For example, in other embodiments, two separate fans could be provided - one to create airflow under or around of the isolated space, and one to escape heat from the 2000 cooling unit.

[0085] Referring again to Figure 22, compartments 2203 are closed separately. In the example drawer 2100, compartments 2203 are molded into a unit 2204, but any suitable way of defining individual compartment spaces can be used. The walls of compartments 2203 can be perforated through openings such as openings 2205, so that air can circulate within drawer 2100, through the walls and compartments. The undersides of the lids 2101 may include downward ribs 2206 that protrude into the compartments when the lids 2101 are closed. Ribs 2206 thereby prevent full filling of compartments 2203. The top portions of the compartments remain substantially open, allowing air to flow throughout the 2100 drawer.

[0086] As in other modalities, a temperature sensor inside drawer 2100 preferably provides a signal to a controller, such as controller 103, indicating the temperature with drawer

2100. The temperature sensor can be submerged in a bottle of glycol or another buffer if desired. Controller 103 can cycle power to the 2000 thermoelectric cooling unit as needed to maintain an essentially constant temperature inside the drawer

2100.

[0087] Although a drawer incorporating the invention can be used for any purpose, it can be especially suitable for storing vaccines. US federal guidelines specify that vaccines should be stored at temperatures from 2 ° C to 8 ° C.

[0088] The arrangement of Figures 21 and 22 can have several beneficial aspects. For example, the thermoelectric cooling system is simple to install and operate, has no moving parts other than fans, and contains no liquid that could leak and cause damage in the event of a failure. In addition, the 2000 thermoelectric cooling unit may be smaller than the compressor-based system described above and, therefore, a thermoelectrically cooled drawer may have a storage capacity greater than a comparably sized cooled drawer using a compressor-based system.

[0089] Figure 23 illustrates an exploded view of a 2300 drawer that has a cooling system according to other modalities. The 2300 drawer includes a 2301 thermoelectric cooling unit similar to the 2000 thermoelectric cooling unit, but possibly without a fan inside the 2300 drawer. Instead of cooling the inner drawer with circulating cooled air, the 2300 drawer includes a 2302 cooling circuit, filled with a heat transfer fluid. For example, cooling circuit 2302 can be a closed circuit of copper or other piping, filled with carbon dioxide (CO2) at a pressure so that the boiling point of CO> is approximately at the desired temperature inside drawer 2300, or slightly below. In some embodiments, the CO pressure within the 2302 cooling circuit can be about 4

MPa (40 bar) (approximately 40 atmospheres), so that the boiling point of CO? about 5 ºC. The cooling circuit 2302 can thus form a passive heat pipe cooler.

[0090] Since the CO, »is cooled in the thermoelectric cooling unit 2301 (by means of an appropriate heat exchanger), the CO? it condenses and falls by gravity to the circuit placed on the floor of drawer 2300. As the CO »circulates through drawer 2300, it absorbs heat from inside drawer 2300 and boils, cooling the interior of drawer 2300. CO? gas rises again to the thermoelectric cooling unit 2301, where it is cooled again, continuing the cycle. As in other embodiments, a temperature sensor inside drawer 2300 can provide a signal that indicates the temperature inside drawer 2300, so that a controller can cycle the thermoelectric cooling unit 2301 on and off to maintain the desired temperature.

[0091] Although it is slightly more complex than the 2100 drawer air cooling system described above, the 2300 drawer system can have certain advantages. For example, due to the fact that it is not based on air circulation throughout the 2300 drawer, 2303 compartments may not need to be perforated, and can be filled to a higher level, resulting in less dead space and greater capacity for the 2300 drawer. Consequently, the 2304 covers may not need ribbing on their bottom sides to prevent the 2303 compartments from filling completely.

[0092] Although other cooling fluids can be used, CO2 or a similar substance can have the advantage that any leaks in the system will only result in the release of harmless gas into the atmosphere, and thus, this will not cause damage to the electronics of the cabinet. storage or materials stored in drawer 2300. In addition, placing the cooling circuit 2302 at the bottom of drawer 2300 is just one example of a suitable circuit placement. In other modalities,

cooling circuit 2302 may include lines passing between compartments 2303, along the sides of drawer 2300, or in another location or combination of locations. In some embodiments, cooling circuit 2302 can be formed as a plate unit similar to the evaporator 506 described above.

[0093] Regardless of how a drawer according to the modalities of the invention is cooled, attention can be paid during the design of the drawer to the possible presence of condensation on or near cold surfaces in the drawer. Condensation can tend to form on cold surfaces exposed to air, and can be harmful to electronics, electromagnetic actuators, or other electrical or mechanical components. Preferably, the insulator surrounding the interior drawer is sufficiently insulating that its external surface remains above the dew point of the surrounding atmosphere. In that case, any circuit boards, electromagnetic actuators, or other electrical or mechanical components outside the cooled space will remain substantially safe from condensation, as long as cold air leaks and other insulation gaps are minimized.

[0094] However, covers, such as covers 2101 or 2304, must necessarily operate in the cooled space, and must be actuated automatically. In embodiments of the invention, measures are taken to position any electromagnetic actuators outside the cooled space, and to couple the actuators to the covers within the cooled space, preferably in a way that minimizes cold leakage.

[0095] Figure 24 illustrates a way of allowing the opening of lids in a drawer, according to the modalities of the invention. A support structure, wiring and the like is omitted from the Figures for clarity. In this example, actuators, such as solenoid 2401, can be positioned outside the cooled space 2402 defined by insulator 2403. Each solenoid 2401 has a plunger 2404 that is actuated electrically in response to signals from a controller, and is associated with a linear potentiometer 2405 In the “locked” position, plunger 2404 is extended from solenoid 2401, and prevents the movement of slider 2406 from pot 2405. A joint 2407 connects slider 2406 to a lever 2408 on cover 2409. With slider 2406 blocked from movement, cover 2409 cannot be opened.

[0096] Figure 25 shows the system of Figure 24, with the lid 2409 open. Plunger 2404 of solenoid 2401 has been retracted by the action of solenoid 2401, releasing slider 2406, so that it can be moved by articulation 2407 as the user lifts cover 2409. Potentiometer signals 2405 can be sent to the controller, indicating that cover 2409 is open.

[0097] Each lid can be supplied with a similar solenoid-potentiometer-hinge arrangement. In this arrangement, solenoids 2401 and potentiometers 2405 remain outside the cooled space 2402, and are thus substantially protected from possible condensation. Only joints 2407 penetrate insulation 2403, so that any openings in insulation 2403 are small and may not significantly affect the insulation effectiveness of insulation 2403.

[0098] The linear potentiometer 2405 can have the advantage that it can indicate the exact state of its associated lid, for example, the degree to which the lid is opened. In other embodiments, a simple optical switch or other simple binary indicator of whether the lid is open or closed can be used.

[0099] Figure 26 shows the solenoid arrangement of Figure 24 in more detail. A ramp 2601 on each plunger 2404 allows the slider 2406 to push the plunger 2404 back to solenoid 2401 as the corresponding cover is closed, locking the closed cover. In addition, a manual release lever 2602 can be provided on each solenoid, allowing a user to replace the cover locking mechanism and open the covers manually in the event of a power outage or other failure. The manual release lever 2602 can preferably be accessed from outside the 2300 drawer.

[00100] Figure 27 illustrates another technique for locking and unlocking the lids of a dispensing drawer, according to other modalities of the invention. Instead of using a mechanical joint that has rigid parts, the system in Figure 27 uses a 2701 sheathed cable to connect cover 2409 to other system components. Sheathed cable 2701 includes a sheath 2702, which can penetrate and be attached to insulator 2403. Sheathed cable 2701 also includes an inner movable wire or cable 2703, which can move axially within sheath 2702. Sheathed cable 2701 can be type often used for bicycle shift lever and braking cables. In Figure 27, cover 2409 is in the closed position. A stop 2704 on cable 2703 is held behind the plunger 2404 of solenoid 2401, so that cover 2409 is prevented from opening. The end portion of the cable 2703 is wrapped around a capstan 2705, which in turn is connected with a constant force spring 2706 and a rotary encoder 2707. The constant force spring 2706 maintains tension in the cable 2703, maintaining cover 2409 in its closed position.

[00101] Upon receiving a command to unlock cover 2409, solenoid 2401 is energized to retract plunger 2404. The user can then lift cover 2409 against the tension of the constant force spring 2706, and retrieve the desired item from the compartment under cover

2409. Encoder 2707 can send signals to the controller indicating the position of the capstan 2705 and therefore also the position of the cap 2409. In other embodiments, a simple optical switch or other binary sensor can be used. An encoder, such as encoder 207, may have the advantage that the encoder reading for the closed position of the lid can be recorded after each use, for example, when the drawer is returned to the interior of the cabinet. This mode, cable length deviation or other effects can be caused, for example, in firmware.

[00102] Figure 28 shows the system of Figure 27 with the cover 2409 in an open position. Plunger 2404 of solenoid 2401 has been retracted, allowing stopper 2704 to pass plunger 2404 as cover 2409 is opened. A portion of cable 2703 has been unwound from capstan 2705. When the user closes cover 2409, spring 2706 helps to retract cable 2703. Parador 2704 can come to rest behind plunger 2404, preventing cover 2409 from opening up to another actuation of solenoid 2401. Preferably, each cap 2409 has a mechanical stopper that holds the cap in its open position, despite any tension induced by cable 2703 by the spring

2706.

[00103] Although only a solenoid 2401 and sheathed cable 2701 are shown in Figures 27 and 28, it will be understood that a similar arrangement can be provided for any lockable dispenser lids. In addition, support structures, fasteners, and other items have been omitted from Figures 27 and 28 for clarity of illustration.

[00104] The system of Figures 27 and 28, using a sheathed cable such as sheathed cable 2701, may have the advantage that sheath 2702 does not need to move in relation to insulator 2403 and, therefore, can be tightly sealed to the insulator 2403. Additionally, the flexibility of the 2701 sheathed cable can provide design freedom in positioning other components, for example, 2401 solenoids or other actuators.

[00105] Figure 31 illustrates an exploded view of a refrigerated drawer 3100 according to other embodiments of the invention. In some of the above modes, for example, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, individual actuators are placed next to each of the compartments in the drawer. This can result in the compartments being spaced from each other towards the front to the rear of the drawer with unused space between them, as shown in Figure 22. The use of a remote actuator of the type shown in Figure 24 or Figure 27 can allow the compartments to be closer together, resulting in more usable storage space in the 3100 drawer as compared to some other modes.

[00106] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 31, the containers are formed by a tray 3101 that has simple thin dividers 3102. Dividers 3102 can slide into grooves or notches 3106 in tray 3101, or can be positioned in another way. Dividers 3102 can be permanently attached to tray 3101, for example, by solvent connection or permanent pressure adjustment, or it can be removable. In other embodiments, tray 3101 can be formed with integral dividers, for example, by injection molding.

[00107] Tray 3101 and dividers 3102 can preferably be perforated through openings such as openings 3103, so that air can circulate inside drawer 3100, through walls and compartments in tray 3101. Lids 3104 of drawer 3100 may include downward ribs 3105 that protrude into the compartments when covers 3104 are closed. Ribs 3105 thus prevent the compartments from filling. The top portions of the compartments remain substantially open, allowing air to flow through the 3100 drawer.

[00108] The 3104 covers can be positioned more closely together towards the front to the rear of the 3100 drawer than in some other modalities. The thickness of the dividers 3102 allows the resulting compartments inside the 3101 tray to be larger than in other modalities, increasing the storage capacity of the 3100 drawer.

[00109] Figure 32 illustrates how two actuators can be mounted outside insulation 3201 of drawer 3100, to actuate two of the covers 3104.

[00110] In other modalities, a magnetic locking system can be used for lids in a refrigerated drawer. Figure 33 illustrates a housing 3301 that has a cover 3302. An electromagnet 3303 is mounted on one edge of housing 3301, and a permanent magnet 3304 is mounted on cover 3302. When cover 3302 is closed, permanent magnet 3304 is positioned on the 3303 electromagnet and preferably in contact with it. In the absence of current through electromagnet 3303, cover 3302 is kept closed by the magnetic attraction between permanent magnet 3304 and electromagnet 3303. Permanent magnet 3304 is preferably strong enough that cover 3302 can be considered locked. For example, the permanent magnet 3304 can be attracted to the electromagnet 3303 with a force of up to 2.26 kg (five pounds) or more, making it difficult to open the cover 3302 without tools.

[00111] To unlock cover 3302, a controller such as controller 103 causes current to flow through electromagnet 3303 in one direction to cause a repelling force against permanent magnet 3304. With insufficient current, the attraction of the permanent magnet 3304 to the electromagnet 3303 is overcome, and the cover 3302 can be easily lifted. In some embodiments, the current level can be selected to be slightly less than the current required to completely overcome the attractive force, so that cover 3302 can be opened with only a small amount of lifting force. In other embodiments, the current is high enough to completely overcome the attraction between the two magnets, and the cap 3302 may open due to the repelling force of the electromagnet

3303.

[00112] In some modalities, the positions of the electromagnet 3303 and permanent magnet 3304 could be reversed. In other embodiments, no permanent magnets may be needed. Instead, permanent magnet 3304 can be replaced by a simple plate made of ferromagnetic material, and cap 3302 can be locked by passing the current through electromagnet 3303. To unlock cap 3302 in this arrangement, the current flow is simply interrupted. However, although this alternative arrangement may be workable, it has the disadvantage of drawing current at all times, except when the covers are unlocked. Additionally, the covers can be released during a power failure. In the preferred embodiment of Figure 33, which includes the permanent magnet 3304, the covers are locked by default, and do not draw current in its locked state.

[00113] As mentioned above, it may be possible to force the cover 3302 open from its locked state with the use of tools. Preferably, a detection circuit is provided to detect such intrusions. For example, a Hall effect sensor can be positioned close to the electromagnet 3303, in order to detect the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 3304 when the cover 3302 is closed. If the sensor detects that the magnetic field has disappeared (or decreased sufficiently) while the 3303 electromagnet is not energized, it can be assumed that cover 3302 has been opened previously, and an alarm or warning may be issued. For example, an audible alarm can be sounded at the cabinet location, or an electronic message can be forwarded through controller 103 to an appropriate contact for investigation.

[00114] In other embodiments, the electromagnet 3303 can be loosely mounted in compartment 3301, so that cover 3302 can be raised slightly while compartment 3301 remains locked. The allowed displacement is preferably sufficient to be detected by any detection circuit, but not sufficient to allow access to the locked compartment. This capability can be used during a “restocking” mode. A user authorized to do this, for example, a pharmacy technician with the task of restocking compartments, can put the cabinet in restocking mode. In this mode, lifting one of the covers slightly signals the controller, through the sensor, that the technician wants to open that particular compartment for restocking. The controller then unlocks the compartment. This ability allows the restocker to quickly open the compartments as needed, without having to enter information into the controller. Once the restocking is completed, the technician preferably ends the restocking mode, so that the compartments remain locked until the dispensing of items is properly requested by a user.

[00115] The layout of Figure 33 positions at least some electrical or electronic components within the refrigerated space. For example, the 3303 electromagnet is inside the refrigerated drawer, and can be mounted on a printed circuit board under compartment 3301. The board can also hold any closing sensors, lights or other elements. Preferably, any printed circuit board and associated electronic components are encapsulated with a waterproof conformal coating to prevent degradation or damage due to moisture condensation.

[00116] It should be understood that all workable combinations of the features disclosed in this document are also considered to be disclosed.

[00117] The invention has now been described in detail for the sake of clarity and understanding. However, it will be verified that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the attached claims.

Claims (55)

1. Device for dispensing items, characterized by comprising: a cabinet; a drawer inside the cabinet, the drawer including one or more compartments for storing items; a cooling system inside the drawer, the cooling system being configured to keep the one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the cabinet; and thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and thermal insulation under one or more compartments. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a computerized controller coupled to the drawer, the controller controlling access to the drawer. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a temperature probe inside the drawer, in which the temperature probe provides a signal to the computerized controller that indicates a temperature inside the drawer, and in which the computerized controller provides information about the temperature in the drawer to a user of the device. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it additionally comprises a temperature buffer surrounding the temperature probe. 5. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more actuators controllable by the computerized controller and coupled to the covers of the respective of the one or more compartments, in which the one or more actuators are arranged outside a drawer interior defined by the thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and the thermal insulation under the one or more compartments. 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the one or more actuators comprise one or more solenoids. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the one or more actuators are mounted on one or more printed circuit boards that are also arranged outside the inside of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and the thermal insulation under one or more compartments. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises - additionally one or more lights corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, respectively, and in which the controller is configured to, by determining that a particular compartment should be accessed: actuate one of the actuators corresponding to the private compartment to unlock the private compartment; and illuminate one of the lights corresponding to the particular compartment. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that it additionally comprises an overlapping mechanism accessible from outside the drawer, the overlapping mechanism mechanically moving the one or more actuators to unlock the compartments manually. 10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises an insulation panel inside the cabinet, in which the insulation panel is positioned on a top side of the drawer when the drawer is closed and inside the cabinet, and the insulation panel remains inside the cabinet when the drawer is opened. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a top insulation panel coupled to the drawer, wherein the top insulation panel is slidable in relation to the drawer to expose the one or more compartments. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling system comprises a compressor and condenser arranged at the rear of the drawer, and an evaporator arranged between the one or more compartments in the drawer and the insulator under the one or more compartments . Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the evaporator is a plate evaporator. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that it additionally comprises a fan, in which the fan pushes air out of the drawer through the condenser. 15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the drawer defines an air flow path through which the fan impels air, the air flow path being open to the environment surrounding the cabinet on the front side of the case so that air enters the air flow path at the front of the case, and the fan escapes the air out of the back of the case. 16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the air flow path is defined at least partially within the thermal insulation under the one or more compartments. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more additional drawers, at least one of which is not refrigerated. 18. Drawer, characterized by comprising: an external housing; insulation that defines a climate-controlled interior of the drawer; a cooling system that has a compressor and condenser arranged inside the drawer, but outside the climate-controlled interior of the drawer, and which has an evaporator arranged inside the climate-controlled interior of the drawer; a divider that defines one or more compartments within the climate-controlled interior of the drawer; one or more lids covering the one or more compartments; an electrical interface for receiving power and control signals; and one or more actuators coupled to one or more covers to lock and unlock the one or more compartments in response to control signals received via the electrical interface. 19. Drawer according to claim 18, characterized in that the one or more actuators are arranged outside the climate controlled interior of the drawer. 20. Drawer, according to claim 18, characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more lights corresponding to one or more compartments, the lights being responsive to control signals received through the electrical interface. 21. Drawer according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises: an air intake at a front part of the drawer; an airflow channel arranged at least partially within an insulation panel under the climate-controlled interior of the drawer; and a fan that draws air into the air intake, through the airflow channel, and through the condenser, and air escapes out of the rear side of the drawer. 22. Drawer according to claim 21, characterized in that the air intake is concealed within a handle on the front side of the drawer. 23. Drawer, characterized by comprising: an external housing; insulation that defines an insulated drawer interior; an air inlet on the first side of the drawer; an air outlet on a second side of the drawer; and a fan; where the fan draws air into the air inlet and air escapes from the air outlet, and between the air inlet and the air outlet, air flows through an airflow path defined at least in part by the insulation . 24. Drawer according to claim 23, characterized in that it additionally comprises a cooling system that cools the insulated interior of the drawer, in which the fan causes air outside the drawer to flow through a condenser of the cooling system. 25. Drawer according to claim 23, characterized in that the first side of the drawer is a front part of the drawer, and in which the air intake is hidden within a handle on the front side of the drawer. 26. Device for dispensing items, characterized by comprising: a cabinet; a drawer inside the cabinet, the drawer including one or more compartments for storing items; a cooling system inside the drawer, the cooling system configured to keep the one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the cabinet; and thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and thermal insulation under one or more compartments. 27. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling system comprises a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator. 28. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling system is a thermoelectric cooling system. 29. Device according to claim 28, characterized in that the thermoelectric cooling system further comprises a fan configured to circulate air within the drawer. 30. Device according to claim 28, characterized in that the thermoelectric cooling system further comprises a fan configured both to escape heat from the thermoelectric cooling unit and to cause air to flow under or around the drawer thermal insulation. 31. Device according to claim 29, characterized in that at least some of the compartments are defined in part by perforated walls that allow air in circulation to pass through the walls and through the compartments. 32. Device according to claim 31, characterized by covers of at least some compartments whose walls are perforated include - downward ribs that protrude into the compartments when the covers are closed. 33. The device of claim 28, further comprising a computerized controller coupled to the drawer, the controller controlling access to the drawer. 34. Device according to claim 33, characterized in that it further comprises a temperature probe inside the drawer, wherein the temperature probe provides a signal to the computerized controller that indicates a temperature inside the drawer. 35. Device according to claim 33, characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more actuators controllable by the computerized controller and coupled to the covers of the respective one or more compartments, in which the one or more actuators are arranged outside an interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and the thermal insulation under the one or more compartments. 36. Device according to claim 33, characterized in that it additionally comprises magnetic locks in at least some of the compartments, the magnetic locks being controlled by the computerized controller to lock and unlock the covers of their respective compartments. 37. Device according to claim 36, characterized in that each of the magnetic locks comprises a permanent magnet fixed to the cover of the respective compartment, and an electromagnet fixed to a wall of the compartment so that the permanent magnet contacts the electromagnet when the lid is closed; and in which the controller unlocks the compartment causing current to pass through the electromagnet, causing the electromagnet to repel the permanent magnet. 38. Device according to claim 35, characterized in that the one or more actuators comprise one or more solenoids. 39. Device according to claim 35, characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more sensors configured to capture the positions of the covers of the respective of the one or more compartments. 40. Device according to claim 39, characterized in that each of the sensors is arranged outside the interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and the thermal insulation under the one or more compartments, and is coupled to respective cover. 41. Device according to claim 40, characterized in that each of the sensors is coupled to its respective cover by means of a joint that passes through the thermal insulation of the drawer. 42. Device according to claim 40, characterized in that each of the sensors is coupled to its respective cover by means of a sheathed cable that passes through the thermal insulation of the drawer. 43. Device according to claim 35, characterized in that it additionally comprises one or more lights corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, respectively, and in which the controller is configured to, by determining that a particular compartment must be accessed : actuating one of the actuators corresponding to the particular compartment to unlock the particular compartment; and illuminate one of the lights corresponding to the particular compartment. 44, Device according to claim 35, characterized in that it additionally comprises an overlapping mechanism accessible from outside the drawer, the overlapping mechanism mechanically moving one or more actuators to manually unlock one or more of the compartments. 45. Device according to claim 28, characterized in that the thermoelectric cooling system comprises a closed cooling circuit containing a heat transfer fluid. 46. Device according to claim 45, characterized in that the heat transfer fluid is maintained at a pressure so that its boiling point is approximately at the desired temperature inside the drawer. 47. Device according to claim 46, characterized in that the heat transfer fluid is maintained at a pressure so that its boiling point is between 2 ° C and 8 ° C. 48. Device according to claim 45, characterized in that the heat transfer fluid is carbon dioxide. 49. Device according to claim 45, characterized in that the thermoelectric cooling system, which includes the closed cooling circuit and the heat transfer fluid, forms a heat pipe that operates by natural convection, 50. Drawer, characterized by comprising: an external housing; insulation that defines a climate-controlled interior of the drawer; a thermoelectric cooling system arranged on a side wall of the drawer and configured to maintain the interior of the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the drawer; a set of walls that define one or more compartments within the climate-controlled interior of the drawer; one or more lids covering the one or more compartments; an electrical interface for receiving power and control signals; and one or more actuators coupled to one or more covers to lock and unlock the one or more compartments in response to control signals received via the electrical interface. 51. Drawer according to claim 50, characterized in that the one or more actuators are arranged outside the climate controlled interior of the drawer. 52. Drawer according to claim 50, characterized by additionally comprising one or more lights corresponding to one or more compartments, the lights being responsive to control signals received through the electrical interface. 53. Drawer according to claim 50, characterized in that the thermoelectric cooling system is configured to circulate cooled air inside the drawer. 54. Drawer according to claim 50, characterized in that the thermoelectric cooling system includes a closed cooling cycle containing a heat transfer fluid. 55. Drawer according to claim 54, characterized in that the heat transfer fluid is carbon dioxide maintained at a pressure so that its boiling point is between 2 ºC and 8 ºC.