CN111107768B - Inventory controlled refrigerated dispensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerated distribution system is provided that includes an outer refrigerator cabinet and an inner movable housing mounting a plurality of independent movable product storage and distribution boxes. While the individual cassettes are removably disposed in slots on one or more shelves within the rack, the entire rack (on which the cassettes are located) can be removed from the outer refrigerator body, which is desirable in the event that power is removed from the outer refrigerator body. Preferably, the shelves are of modular and reconfigurable design, allowing portions of the racks (e.g., a single shelf or a portion thereof) to be modified or replaced with alternative shelves or other storage devices to meet the current frozen product storage needs of any particular facility.

Description

Inventory controlled refrigerated dispensing system

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the storage and dispensing of refrigerated products and, more particularly, to a refrigeration system for storing products (e.g., pharmaceuticals) and dispensing such products in a controlled manner that allows for the automatic tracking of inventory dispensed by and maintained within a refrigerated dispensing unit.

Background

The medicines are distributed in many different ways. In many cases, the drug must be maintained at a specific temperature to ensure that its active ingredient retains its chemical properties. For example, certain vaccines and antibiotics must be refrigerated to ensure that they retain their efficacy. At the dispensing location, whether a pharmacy or a doctor's office, these medications are typically kept in a conventional refrigerated machine. The lowest level of security and maintenance of product inventory can be tedious and labor intensive.

Existing refrigerators and other such containers do not provide a simple and safe method of dispensing a medicament that requires refrigeration to a doctor or pharmacist. Accordingly, there is a need for a refrigerated container that allows physicians, pharmacists, and other personnel responsible for dispensing medications to easily dispense products and maintain an accurate inventory of the products.

In addition, many systems for dispensing medicines are held in a secure assembly, such as a locked cabinet, to prevent unauthorized use. However, in the case where such systems are frozen and it is necessary to maintain their contents in a frozen state, once power is turned off, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to move the product to an alternative freezer. Also, for systems that store many different drugs, removing each drug from the dispensing system to place it in an alternate refrigeration location can be a very time consuming task. There is therefore a need for a refrigerated container for pharmaceutical products or other valuable products which allows quick, alternative access to the locked contents during a power outage and easy removal of the contents in their entirety in such a situation.

Furthermore, the existing stored drugs at different medical facilities change from time to time, thus creating different drug storage requirements over time. The drugs may be provided in different sized packages such that one dispensing system for such products may not be suitable for all drugs stored in any given facility. Accordingly, there is a need for an adaptable pharmaceutical or other valuable product storage and dispensing system that can safely store and dispense a variety of products over time.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention addresses one or more of the above-mentioned problems, as well as other problems associated with the traditional storage of frozen products that require controlled inventory. A refrigerated distribution system is provided that includes an outer refrigerator cabinet and an inner movable housing mounting a plurality of independent movable product storage and distribution cartridges (cartridges). While the individual cassettes are removably disposed in slots on one or more shelves within the rack, the entire rack (on which the cassettes are located) can be removed from the outer refrigerator body, which is desirable in the event that power is removed from the outer refrigerator body. Preferably, the shelf is of modular and reconfigurable design, allowing a portion of the rack (e.g., a stand-alone shelf or a portion thereof) to be modified or replaced with an alternative shelf or other storage device to meet the current frozen product storage needs of any particular facility.

For certain embodiments, a refrigerated storage and dispensing unit is provided that includes a refrigerator cabinet, a rack, a shelf, a plurality of product dispensing boxes, and a dispensing drawer; the frame is arranged inside the refrigerator body and is provided with a wall; the wall defining an open cavity inside the housing; the shelf is secured to a wall of the housing within the open cavity; a plurality of product dispensing boxes movably disposed on the shelf, each of the product dispensing boxes further comprising a vertical housing containing a plurality of product units; the dispensing drawer is configured to move horizontally out of the housing; wherein each of the product dispensing boxes is configured to sequentially dispense individual units of product from a fully closed position to a fully open position on a horizontal extension of each of the dispensing drawers.

Drawings

The present invention and the various aspects, features and advantages offered thereby are described in detail below with reference to exemplary and non-limiting embodiments and the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and provide a graphical depiction of certain exemplary embodiments.

The following is a brief description of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerated storage and dispensing unit according to certain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control room and a freezer compartment;

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of FIG. 1 with its front door open to access the unit interior;

FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of FIG. 3A with the dispensing box on the lower shelf;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an internal housing for use with the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the internal housing of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a holster release system used with the internal holster of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the rack of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a combined storage rack and storage drawer for use with the rack of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of the combined storage rack and storage drawer of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the combined storage rack and storage drawer of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the combined storage rack and storage drawer of FIG. 4 with the printed circuit board and base plate removed for clarity;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the combined storage rack and storage drawer of FIG. 11 with only the printed circuit board removed for clarity;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the combined storage rack and storage drawer of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the combined storage rack and storage drawer of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the combined storage rack and storage drawer of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a close-up rear perspective view of the combined storage rack and storage drawer of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a dispensing cartridge for use with the storage and dispensing unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the dispensing cartridge of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an RFID open-front box for use with the storage and dispensing unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is a rear elevational view of the RFID front opening box of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a freezer compartment for use with the storage and dispensing unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a system according to certain aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a network for implementing the system of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of steps for dispensing product in accordance with another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The invention summarized above may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used for like parts. The following description is of specific embodiments of the invention intended to enable one to practice the invention, and is not intended to limit the preferred embodiments, but rather to serve as specific examples thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent components do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

Referring first to fig. 1, an exemplary refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 according to certain aspects of embodiments of the present invention includes a refrigerator cabinet 102 having a door 105 and a control room 115, the control room 115 may include a communication interface configured to communicate with a remote server. The chiller cabinet 102 may include a chiller (most preferably, an ammonia absorption type, but in certain embodiments, a compressor will be used).

A system utilizing such a refrigerated storage and dispensing unit may be operated by: the product is removed from the interior of the refrigeration cabinet 102 and the control room 115 records the removal of the product as an event in its local storage on the control room 115. Periodically, the control room 115 may send event data to a remote server along with events (e.g., historical temperature data, power outages, events causing alarms, etc.) using a communication interface. The remote server may then communicate with external entities for inventory control, maintenance, alerts, accounting, and any other basic tasks. A replenishment technician or specialist may use the display 130 and keypad 140 on the control room 115 to communicate with the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 or, alternatively, through a Web-enabled device, bluetooth device, or other remote device to manage functions and replenish the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100.

Preferably, the outer door 105 is provided with an electric or mechanical lock and is used to control access to the product stored in the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. If an electric lock is provided, such lock is preferably controlled by a computer processor in the control room 115 after a valid entry code is entered, or as described more fully below, when a particular event occurs that requires the door to be locked or unlocked.

The control room 115 provides a user interface that may be used by a pharmacist, doctor, or other user to administer the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. According to some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and as described above, it is preferred that control room 115 includes display 130 and user input device 140. The display 130 may be comprised of an LCD and the user input device may be a keypad. Alternatively, the user input device 140 and the display 130 may be combined into a touch screen, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. Control room 115 may also optionally include one or more of the following elements: an alarm, a camera for a bar code reader, a USB communication interface, an external communication interface (ethernet, PLC, POTS, cellular, satellite, WiFi, etc.), and an internal communication interface (I2C and GPIO) for communicating between the internal components of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit (as described in more detail below), all controlled by a computer processor.

Preferably, the control room 115 includes a computer processor, memory, RTC, battery backup, and the necessary interfaces to communicate with all hardware. The computer processor may use a Linux OS with an Android OS, and applications running thereon, although alternative operating systems may be used. Fig. 2 provides a schematic diagram of the electrical connections of an exemplary control room 115.

Preferably, all control and communication is managed by the control room 115. The user communicates with the vending machine 100 through a user interface, such as a keyboard 140 and LCD 130, a touch screen, or a network or bluetooth enabled device, such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop, etc. And the communication with the server and the external user is completed through the external communication interface. The user interface may be managed by a mobile device application to control a screen, a touch screen, and a keyboard. The same mobile application or remote web site may be used in the mobile device, and thus, the user does not have to be co-located with the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 to achieve such control. The mobile application or remote web site enables any wireless communication device to interact with the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, or with a system that includes the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100.

An alarm may be used to indicate to a local user that a serious event has occurred (e.g., no power source, temperature out of range, etc.) to indicate that the user is required to handle the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. The user may mute the alarm, for example, via LCD 130 and/or keypad 140. Preferably, the USB interface provides a maintenance port for diagnostic and emergency download of data. It is contemplated that the interface may be any port, USB port, or other port that allows physical electronic access to the internal components of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, such as an ethernet port, HDMI, or the like. Such an interface may also be used to set up the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 and for manufacturing assistance. The bar code reader is comprised of a camera, a camera interface, and an application that manages the reader, such as a mobile device or a wireless device, that can be used to read data from the product to be stored in the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. General data may include product type, expiration date, and lot number.

Preferably, the primary power source is monitored to determine the type of current supplied, e.g., AC or DC, the present voltage, and the present battery status. The interface is also used to control switching between AC power and battery power during testing of the battery, and AC power interruptions. This switch may also be used to relieve the cooler if the battery is low. If there is no main power supply, a backup power supply consisting of a battery or super capacitor on the processor board is used. Software executable by the control room 115 loads volatile data into non-volatile storage (flash memory, MRAM, FRAM, EEPROM, etc.) using the backup power supply without a main power supply.

Internal communication between components of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may be managed through GPIO I2C (discussed in detail below). Preferably, I2C is used for primary communication, for control and status. Preferably, the GPIO is used for real-time interrupts and programming.

Fig. 3a and 3b show the door 105 of the refrigerator cabinet 102 open to access the product stored within the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. As shown in fig. 3a, and in accordance with certain aspects of embodiments of the present invention, a refrigerated storage and dispensing unit may include: an inner rack 300, an upper rack 320, a lower rack 340, and a middle drawer 360, all of which will be discussed in greater detail below. The upper shelf 320 and the lower shelf 340 define parallel slots configured to receive individual product dispensing boxes 400 (fig. 3b), wherein such product dispensing boxes are arranged parallel to one another along their respective shelves. More specifically, each such product dispensing cartridge 400 houses a plurality of product containers, such as vials of injectable drugs, syringe packages, or other similar packages that may be suitable for a particular facility or configuration. Further, each such product dispensing cartridge 400 includes a dispensing drawer at the bottom of each cartridge, each such dispensing cartridge 400 being configured to dispense only a single product container from its respective dispensing drawer at a time. Product dispenser box 400 may be inserted into slots on shelves 320 and 340. Such slots of the upper shelf 320 are defined by guide tabs 322 and partitions 324, the guide tabs 322 extending upwardly from the shelf 320, the partitions 324 extending downwardly from an upper partition wall defined by the chassis 300, and the slots of the lower shelf 340 are defined by guide tabs 342 extending upwardly from the shelf 340 and partitions 344 extending downwardly from a lower partition wall defined by the lower wall of the intermediate drawer assembly 360. Further and as discussed in detail below, the product dispensing boxes 400 may be locked in place on the shelves 320 and 340 by a movable latch that engages the rear of each product dispensing box 400.

Preferably, each of the upper shelf 320 and the lower shelf 340 includes a sensor that engages the product dispensing box 400 (shown in fig. 3b) to detect the dispensing of product from such a dispenser 400. To collect such data from the upper shelf 320 and the lower shelf 340, a floor 380 is located at the back of the rack 300, and the dispensing shelves 320 and 340 are electrically connected to the floor 380 to communicate data collected by sensors on the dispensing shelves 320 and 340 to the control room 115. The backplane 380 buffers communication signals between the upper shelf 320 and the lower shelf 340 and the processor of the control room 115. A temperature sensor on the backplane 380 may provide temperature data to a processor of the control room 115. Preferably, the controls for the fan and door lock are located on the backplane 380 and communicate with the processor of the control room 115. Preferably, the door sensor logic is stored on the backplane 380 for access by the processor of the control room 115. Control logic on the backplane 380 may determine which shelf, device, or freezer interface the processor platform communicates with. Power from the main power source is distributed on the floor 380, supplied to the shelves 320 and 340 and the logic. Preferably, power is ramped down on the floor 380 of the processor in the control room 115.

As described above, the upper shelf 320 and the lower shelf 340 house product dispensing boxes 400 that are positioned on top of the shelves 320 or 340, with contacts on the movable dispensing drawer of each product dispensing box being positioned and configured to activate sensors on the shelves (discussed in detail below). According to some aspects of embodiments of the present invention, each of the shelves 320 and 340 has a plurality of sensor pads beneath each product dispensing box 400. More specifically, and by way of non-limiting example, each of the shelves 320 and 340 may have at least three upwardly facing sensor pads configured to allow sensing of products and drawers, as described in more detail below. The sensor pads are connected to a processor on the respective shelf 320 or 340 or directly to the processor of the control room 115 through the floor 380. As non-limiting examples, the sensor may be a capacitive sensor, an infrared sensor, or a mechanical sensor. A sensing application running on the processor detects the presence of product on that particular sensor and may also detect the mechanical position of different portions of the product dispensing cartridge. This data is sent to the processor of the control room 115 to determine if the product has been removed or if there is a malfunction. Data from the digital temperature sensor is also sent to the processor of the control room 115 for controlling the heater/cooler, for historical data on product aging and for alarms.

Fig. 4 provides a perspective view and fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the rack 300 removed from the refrigerator cabinet 102 (the refrigerator cabinet 102 is not shown for clarity). It may occur that a desired condition is created, or that the entire contents of the refrigerated storage and dispensing system 100 need to be removed, such as in the event of a prolonged power outage, which would require the transfer of all of the contents to other refrigerated storage. To provide this capability, the entire rack 300 may be removed from the interior of the refrigerator cabinet 102. The refrigerator body mounting nut 104 is fixedly mounted to at least one interior side wall, and preferably to both interior side walls, of the refrigerator body 102. Preferably, the rack 300 has horizontal mounting nut slots 302 in both side walls of the rack 300, the mounting nut slots 302 slidably receiving the refrigerator cabinet mounting nuts 104. As shown in fig. 5 and 6 (in which the rack 300 is shown in perspective), the mounting nuts 104 serve as anchors to releasably retain the rack 300 in the refrigerator cabinet 102. The rack release lever 304 is pivotally mounted to the intermediate drawer assembly 360 at a pivot screw mount 306. As shown in the close-up side perspective view of fig. 9, which best illustrates the intermediate drawer assembly 360 and the upper rack 320, the rack release lever 304 has a washer 308 at the rear end of the rack release lever 304, the washer 308 receiving the refrigerator cabinet mounting nut 104. And frame release lever 304 is pivotable about pivot screw mount 306, spring 310 biases undercarriage release lever 304 to a position in which washer 308 engages mounting nut 104, thereby locking frame 300 in refrigerator cabinet 102. A handle 312 is provided at the front end of the chassis release lever 304, which handle 312 can be manually operated and pushed downward to pivot the rack release lever 304 pivot screw mount 306 to disengage the washer 308 from the mounting nut 104, allowing the entire rack 300 (and the upper rack 320, lower rack 340, and drawer assembly 360) to be pulled horizontally outward from the refrigerator cabinet 102. Preferably, the release lever cover 314 is removably mounted to the front face of the intermediate drawer assembly 360, such as by a safety screw, to allow an authorized person to operate the handle 312 to disengage the rack release lever 304 from the mounting nut 104 and remove the entire rack and its contents from the refrigerator cabinet 102.

As previously described, the upper shelf 320, the lower shelf 340, and the middle drawer assembly 360 are mounted to the chassis 300. Fig. 7 is a front view of the rack 300 with the upper shelf 320, the lower shelf 340, and the middle drawer assembly 360 removed for clarity. The rack 300 includes a top wall 702, a right side wall 704, and a left side wall 706. The rack 300 also provides mounting walls 708 for a floor 380. The right and left side walls 704 and 706 include an upper support flange 710, the upper support flange 710 extending from each respective side wall into the interior of the rack 300, the upper support flange 710 receiving and supporting the bottom wall of the upper rack 320, such as by a threaded connection 712 (fig. 8 and 9). The right and left side walls 704, 706 also include lower support flanges 714, the lower support flanges 714 extending from each respective side wall into the interior of the chassis 300, the lower support flanges 714 receiving and supporting the bottom wall of the intermediate drawer assembly 360, such as by threaded connections 716. Further, the right side wall 704 and the left side wall 706 include bottom mounting brackets 718, the bottom mounting brackets 718 extending from each respective side wall into the interior of the rack 300, the bottom mounting brackets 718 receiving and supporting the bottom wall of the lower rack 342, such as by threaded connections, as with the upper support flange 710.

Such a support structure allows any of the upper shelf 320, the lower shelf 340, or the middle drawer assembly 360 to be replaced with minimal effort, which may be desirable to meet the ever-changing frozen product storage needs. By way of non-limiting example, a given facility may wish to dedicate only the lower rack 340 to receiving the boxes 400, and may wish to provide alternate storage space in the upper portion of the rack 300. In this case, the upper rack 320 may be removed from the rack 300 by removing the threaded connection 712, and such alternative storage assemblies may be secured in place, as may be selected by those skilled in the art. In some constructions, a front opening storage bin equipped with a radio frequency identification ("RFID") antenna may be placed at the location of the upper rack 320 and attached to the upper support flange 710, or disposed directly on the upper rack 320 or a portion thereof (e.g., the bottom panel 326 of the upper rack 320 discussed below), which may receive and store RFID tagged product containers.

With continued reference to fig. 7 and 8, the upper shelf 320 supports the plate 321 of the product dispenser box 400. In some constructions, the plate 321 includes a printed circuit board. The guide tabs 322 are located near the front edge of the plate 321 and serve to properly position the product dispensing box 400 when the product dispensing box 400 is placed on the upper shelf 320. To further assist in the proper placement of the product dispensing box, a rear guide bar 325 is similarly provided that is positioned in alignment with the guide tabs 322 to define a single slot 323, the slot 323 being configured to receive the product dispensing box 400. Sensors 324, as previously discussed, are located on the upper surface of the plate 321 to align the bottom, movable dispensing drawers on each cartridge 400 so that the sensors at the bottom of these drawers can activate the sensors 324 on the plate 321, thereby allowing the processor of the control room 115 to record the dispensing of product from a particular product dispensing cartridge 400. The upper rack 320 also includes a bottom plate 326, the bottom plate 326 mounting the upper rack 320 to the upper support flange 710 and positioning the plate 321 a vertical distance above the bottom plate 326.

As shown in fig. 8-11, the upper shelf 320 is positioned directly above the middle drawer assembly 360, which is independently mounted to the chassis 300 as described above, thereby allowing the drawer assembly 360 to slide horizontally outward (in the direction of arrow 1100 in fig. 11) from the chassis 300 to place and remove products. As best seen in fig. 11 (with the plate 321 removed for clarity), the drawer front 800 may be pulled outwardly from the middle drawer assembly 360 in the direction of arrow 1100, such as by a standard drawer slide 1102. The slide rails 1102 are attached to both sides of the drawer assembly 360, allowing the drawer to be pulled outwardly from the rack 300 above the drawer assembly support plate 1101 without affecting the upper shelf 320, or the lower shelf 342, or the dispenser boxes 400 stored thereon. The drawer assembly 360 includes a hinged lid 802, the hinged lid 802 being hinged to a drawer body 804 by a hinge member 806. Preferably, the hinged lid 802 is perforated with a plurality of openings 808 to allow cool air to pass through the drawer assembly 360 to keep the contents of the drawer assembly 360 at a low temperature while the remaining product is stored in the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. The hinged lid 802 may be provided with a separate lock 810 to provide access to the contents of the drawer assembly 360. The drawer assembly 360 may be used to store products that are improperly or inadvertently withdrawn from the dispensing cartridge, products that have been dispensed but are only partially used, or products that are not shaped to fit within the container of the dispensing cartridge 400.

Fig. 12 illustrates the drawer assembly 360 with the floor 326 of the upper rack 320 in place over the drawer assembly 360. Similarly, fig. 13-16 show the drawer assembly with the bottom plate 326 removed. Each of fig. 12-16 shows a cartridge release mechanism 1210 that is pivotally mounted to the base plate 326. More specifically, and with continued reference to fig. 12-16, the cartridge release mechanism 1210 includes a mounting arm 1212, the mounting arm 1212 being pivotally mounted to the base plate 326 at the pivot connection 328. A plurality of hooks 1214 are mounted to the front surface of the mounting arm 1212, with one hook 1214 aligned with each slot 323. The hooks 1214 are configured to engage a ridge on the back of each of the portion cartridges 400. Thus, when the cartridge release mechanism is in its downward position, the hook 1214 engages the back of the dispensing cartridge 400 to prevent its removal from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. When the cartridge release mechanism is pivoted to its upward position, the hooks 1214 disengage from their respective portion cartridge 400, thereby allowing the portion cartridge to be removed from its respective shelf 320 and 340. Preferably, the cartridge release mechanism 1210 is spring biased to its downward position to prevent removal of the portion cartridge 400 by engaging/lifting the cartridge release mechanism 1210 without a positive authorization action.

To cause the cartridge release mechanism 1210 to lift the hook 1214, an actuator, in particular a drive motor 1220, is placed on the back of the base plate 326, which is controlled by the processor. The drive motor 1220 drives a cam 1222, which cam 1222 engages an actuator 1213 on the mounting arm 1212. Specifically, when the cam 1222 is rotated by the drive motor 1220 in the direction of arrow 12A (fig. 13), the mounting arm 1212 is rotated in the direction of arrow 12B (fig. 13) to depress the hook 1214 to its downward, locked position. Likewise, when the cam 1222 is rotated in the opposite direction of arrow 12A, the mounting arm 1212 is rotated in the opposite direction of arrow 12B to lift the hook 1214 to its upward unlocked position. The drive motors 1220 are preferably operated by the control room 115 in response to receiving instructions from an authorized user to lock or unlock the distribution box 400 from its respective shelf.

In the event of a power outage, and in the event it is necessary or desirable to remove the cassette 400 during such an outage, a manual release lever 1230 is also provided. A manual release lever 1230 is slidably mounted on top of the bottom plate 326 and mounted for movement in the direction of arrow 12C (fig. 12). The release lever 1230 has a pull tab 1232, which pull tab 1232 is located at the front end of the release lever 1230. Preferably, pull tab 1232 is hidden behind front wall 322a of box guide tab 322 such that front wall 322a acts as a security panel to prevent unauthorized use of pull tab 1232. Further, front wall 322a is preferably mounted to bottom panel 326 by a plurality of safety screws so that pull tab 1232 can only be used with an appropriate tool, even if pull tab 1232 is known to be located behind front wall 322a of cartridge guide tab 322. The rear end of the release lever 1230 includes a lifting head 1234 that engages the underside of the mounting arm 1212. When the cam 1222 is rotated such that the positioning hook 1214 is pulled to its downward, locked position, the release lever 1230 may be pushed to its rearmost position (i.e., the position shown in fig. 12-16), causing the lifting head 1234 to push against the mounting arm 1212 and causing the mounting arm 1212 and the hook 1214 to be lifted to their upward, unlocked position, thereby allowing the dispenser cartridge 400 to be removed. As best shown in fig. 15 and 16, the poppet 1234 includes a lower angled edge 1236 that engages the set screw 1240 such that when the poppet 1234 is pushed rearward, the lower angled edge 1236 contacts the set screw 1240 causing the poppet head 1234 to lift the mounting arm 1212 slightly, pivoting the mounting arm 1212 upward and lifting the hook 1214 to its upward unlocked position.

While fig. 12-16 show the mounting arm 1212, hook 1214, and related mechanisms on the upper shelf 320, it is similarly preferred to provide the same assembly (without the intermediate drawer assembly 360) for the lower shelf 340.

Fig. 17 illustrates an exemplary dispensing cartridge 400 for use with the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. Each dispensing cartridge 400 includes a substantially vertical housing 402, and a dispensing drawer 420 at the bottom of the housing 402. The dispensing drawer 420 is configured to slide horizontally out of the housing 402 and back into the housing 402. Further, as discussed in co-pending U.S. patent application No. a, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, each dispensing cartridge 400 includes a dispensing mechanism that allows only a single unit of product (e.g., a single vial of medicine, a single cartridge containing a syringe, etc.) stored in the dispensing cartridge 400 to be dispensed with each pull of the dispensing drawer 420, prevents such unit of product from being re-inserted into the dispensing cartridge 400 after the dispensing drawer 420 has been pulled out of the housing 402, prevents closure of the dispensing drawer before a single unit of product is removed from the dispensing drawer 420, and prevents the next such unit of product from being re-loaded into the dispensing drawer 420 before the dispensing drawer 420 is fully pushed back into the housing 402. Each dispensing cartridge 400 is configured to deliver the next product unit into the dispensing drawer 420 by gravity feed after a dispensing operation and after the dispensing cartridge 420 has been fully closed (fully opening the dispensing drawer 420 from the cartridge 400 and removing the dispensed product unit).

Each dispenser box 400 includes a front face 404, two side walls 406, and a top wall 408. The front surface 410 of each distribution box 400 faces the front of the refrigerator cabinet 102 when placed on one of the upper shelf 320 and the lower shelf 340. A product reload door 410 is accessible from the front surface 404 and can be opened by a user to reload additional product. However, the product reload door 410 has a vertical portion 410a and a horizontal portion 410b, wherein when the dispensing cartridge 400 is fully inserted into the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, access to the horizontal portion 410b is blocked. Thus, after authorized removal of the cartridge 400 from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, a user can only open the dispensing cartridge 400 and access the product stored therein.

The side wall 406 of the distribution box 400 includes a plurality of openings 412. The opening 412, and the open back of each distribution box 400 (best shown in fig. 18), provides an airflow around the products stored within the distribution box 400 to ensure that all such products remain uniformly frozen. Further, the front surface 404 has a width that is wider than the top wall 408, and thus, when adjacent distribution boxes 400 are positioned on the upper shelf 320 and the lower shelf 340, a space is formed between the adjacent distribution boxes 400, thereby further providing a cooling airflow in the space between the adjacent distribution boxes 400. The outer edges 404a of the front faces 404 of adjacent distribution boxes 400 abut one another to form a relatively uniform front wall with a minimum air gap therebetween to maintain as much chilled air behind the front faces 404 of the distribution boxes 400 as possible when the refrigerator cabinet 102 is open. A pull tab 405 may be provided, the pull tab 405 extending vertically along the front surface 404 of each dispenser box 400, thereby allowing individual dispenser boxes 400 to be easily removed from the upper shelf 320 or the lower shelf 340 when desired (and when unlocked), such as when refilled.

As best shown in fig. 18, a horizontal ridge 414 extends across the bottom, rear side of the distribution box 400. The ridge 414 provides an engagement surface against which the hook 1214 of the cartridge release mechanism 1210 abuts to lock each of the dispensing cartridges 400 in place on its respective upper shelf 320 or lower shelf 340. More specifically, when the hooks 1214 are pivoted to their downward locked position, the front ends of the hooks 1214 will engage the ridges 414 of the aligned portion boxes 400, thereby locking the portion boxes 400 on their respective shelves. Likewise, when the hooks 1214 are pivoted to their upward unlocked positions, the forward ends of such hooks 1214 disengage from the ridges 414 of the aligned portion boxes 400, thereby unlocking the portion boxes 400 from their respective shelves and allowing them to be individually removed from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100.

In certain configurations, the dispenser box 400 may include a product sensor that detects the presence of a product within the dispenser box 400. More specifically, when the dispensing drawer 420 is closed and there is product in the dispensing cartridge 400, the next product to be dispensed may push down on the front end of the sensing lever such that the rear end of the sensing lever is raised and, in turn, the connection between the product sensor and the corresponding sensor disposed on the shelf 320 or 340 of the dispensing cartridge 400 is broken, thereby indicating that there is product in place in this dispensing cartridge 400, ready for dispensing. When the dispensing drawer 420 is opened and no additional product is pressed against the front end of the sensing lever, the rear end of the sensing lever is lowered and the product sensor is connected with the sensor on the corresponding dispensing shelf 320 or 340, indicating that no product is currently available for dispensing. When the dispensing drawer 420 is closed, the next product in line in the dispensing box 400 will move into the dispensing drawer 420, pushing the front end of the sensor rod downward and raising the rear end of the product sensor, disconnecting the sensor on the dispensing shelf 320 or 340. It is contemplated that other product sensor configurations may be readily implemented by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In certain configurations, the dispensing cartridge 400 may also include a drawer position sensor located on the bottom of the dispensing drawer 420. When the dispensing drawer 420 is closed, the drawer position sensor may be connected to a position close sensor on the respective upper shelf 320 and lower shelf 340, thereby indicating to the control room 115 that the dispensing drawer 420 is closed. When the dispensing drawer 420 is fully open, the drawer position sensor may also be connected to the position open sensor on the respective upper shelf 320 and lower shelf 340, thereby indicating to the control room 115 that the dispensing drawer 420 is fully open.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of position and product detection sensors may be used with the dispenser box 400 and the top and bottom shelves 320, 340 of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As previously mentioned, given the modular construction of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 discussed above, one skilled in the art may choose to provide an alternative storage assembly in place of the dispensing box 400. As shown in the side cross-sectional view of fig. 19, in some constructions, such an alternative storage assembly may include a front opening storage case 500 equipped with a planar radio frequency identification ("RFID") antenna 550 and which may receive and store RFID-tagged product containers.

The front opening storage box 500 defines an open interior space 502 that may contain products having different shapes and sizes, and thus may be used to store products that cannot be configured to be stored in and dispensed from the dispensing box 400, yet which still need to be stored with these products in a single refrigerated storage and dispensing system 100. With continued reference to the rear views of fig. 19 and 20, the front opening storage bin 500 may have a lower surface 504, which lower surface 504 may be sized and configured to be either directly on the panel 321 rather than the distribution box 400, or alternatively on the floor 326. The front opening storage bin 500 can include a ridge 514 on its back side configured to engage the hook 1214 of the box release mechanism 1210, thereby allowing the front opening storage bin 500 to be locked to the upper shelf 320 or the lower shelf 340 in the same manner that the distribution box 400 is locked to the upper shelf 320 or the lower shelf 340. The front opening storage bin 500 can include a slot 504 extending into the upper body of the front opening storage bin 500 from a rear side of the slot 504, the slot 504 accommodating a planar RFID antenna 550. A cable 552 may extend from planar antenna 550 out of slot 504 and connect to control room 115. The planar antenna 552 may be configured to read RFID tags located on products or product containers to be stored on the open storage box 500, and more particularly, to detect their placement on the open front storage box 500, or removal from the open front storage box 500. Planar RFID antennas and RFID tags readable by them are readily commercially available and their structure is known to those skilled in the art, and therefore their specific structure and operation is not described in further detail herein.

The junction box may control a heater for an ammonia absorption chiller or a compressor for maintaining a constant temperature in the cooling chamber of the chiller cabinet 102. In some configurations, the junction box may include a processor, SSR or SCR, an I2C communication interface, an NTC temperature probe, and a power supply. If the chiller is an ammonia absorption chiller, the processor preferably runs a standard PID algorithm and digital pulse control and modifies for superheat. The overheat function is configured to turn off the heater when the cooler overheats, which may be caused by insufficient gas, heater failure or damage, or a large current. The setting of the nominal temperature inside the refrigerated compartment will be controlled by the processor of the control room 115, which communicates with the junction box. The current state of the junction box may be read by a processor of the control room 115.

Preferably, all of the electronics contained in the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 are supplied with a regulated voltage using an AC/DC power supply with line filters. Preferably, the output of the power supply is used to charge a backup battery. Preferably, the power supply and the output of the backup battery are both controlled by a power switch. Preferably, the power switch is controlled by the processor of the control room 115 to select how the electronics and freezer compartment 115 will be powered. The processor may monitor the primary power source and the backup battery via the I2C communication interface.

In accordance with certain aspects of embodiments of the present invention, where a freezer compartment is included in the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, the freezer compartment preferably includes a cabinet housing a compressor cooler, a shelf housing the dispensing box 400, a middle drawer assembly 360, a dispensing sensing shelf, a temperature sensor, LEDs, electronic locks, door sensors, fans, a processor controlled thermostat, a power source with UPS, and a communication link to the freezer compartment or control room 115. FIG. 21 provides a block diagram of the foregoing components. If a freezer is provided, it preferably includes a freezer interface including I2C and GPIO signals necessary to communicate with the processor of the control room 115. These signals are buffered and sent to the processor through the backplane 380. It is contemplated that a freezer compartment as provided herein will be constructed in the same manner as a refrigerator compartment and include the same features, except that its temperature may be set below freezing to maintain the product at a lower temperature than in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator cabinet 102 described above.

Preferably, all control and communication is handled by the control room 115. The vending machine may be configured to communicate with the server. In this configuration, the server consists of a computer running application software, which is located on an off-site facility. The application software processes the data input from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 and generates inventory control data, maintenance data, alarm data, billing data, and any other data required for basic tasks. This data is also used to dispatch personnel for maintenance, customer support alerts, and replenishment.

The server and refrigeration unit may communicate with each other and become part of a fully integrated product supply, storage and dispensing system, as described further below, and as schematically illustrated in the exemplary flow chart shown in fig. 22.

The first element of the system is the user facility 600. The user implementation 600 is the facility in which the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 is located. The user facility 600 may be a physician's office, but may also be any other location where the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 is used, such as a pharmacy, a health department, and the like. Another element of the system is a product manufacturer 610, such as a company that manufactures products to be dispensed through vending refrigerators. An optional element of the system is a distributor 620, which distributor 620 is used by the manufacturer 610 to deliver the product to the user 600. A product partner 640 may also be provided that is responsible for managing product inventory in the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. In some cases, the management partner 605 may be used to control the functions of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. In some cases, the management partner 605 is the manufacturer of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 and is responsible for maintaining the equipment and data collected from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. Settlement partner 615 may be responsible for invoicing and settling accounts with various other members of the system. Insurance provider 630 can be another component that communicates with settlement partner 615 to manage payment for the consumed product.

The system is implemented by an integrated network as shown in fig. 23. According to certain aspects of embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 is communicatively connected with the control server 1705 at the management partner 605, the product manufacturer server 1710, the distributor server 1720, the partner server 1740, the management partner 605, the settlement server 1715, and the insurance server 1730. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the vending chiller need not be connected to all of the components listed above. For example, the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may be connected to the control server 1705, and the control server 1705 may be used to communicate with all other components as needed.

The above-described system is for implementing a method for product dispensing and distribution. The product is first delivered to the user 600 from either the manufacturer 610 or the distributor 620. Data corresponding to the contents and operation of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 is collected from the control room 115 and transmitted to the control server 1705. The control server 1705 handles all matters related to the product dispensed by the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. All data, including alarms, are sent from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 and processed by the control server 1705. The control server 1705 processes the data and determines whether the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 needs to be replenished or if maintenance is required.

Alternatively, the settlement server 1715 at the settlement partner 615 may receive information directly from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 or the control server 1705. The settlement server 1715 manages settlement to and from the user 600, settlement to and from the insurance company 630, and ordering of inventory from the product manufacturer 610. The settlement server 1715 may also schedule visits from the product partners 640 to the user 600 while coordinating the delivery of the product. Product partner 640 may be an organization with qualified individuals to store and maintain a physician's vaccine inventory. In this case, the product partner 640 preferably uses the CDC vaccine processing file in the establishment of the program. When a patient receives a dispensed vaccine or other medication via the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, information from the scanned vial, or information extracted from the POMIS (physician office management and medical information system), is sent to the settlement server 1715 for settlement to the insurer 630 of the patient to whom the product is being provided.

When the inventory level drops below a predetermined amount, the control server 1705 will send an inventory replenishment request to the settlement server 1715. The settlement server 1715 needs to place such an order in a timely manner to ensure that the physician's office is not running out of any medications, such as vaccines. The control server 1705 will track all inventory present. The settlement server 1715 will track all allocation orders and provide the allocation information to the control server 1705. All alarms from the physician's office refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 will be sent to the settlement server 1715 through the control server 1705 for notification. Insurance 630 refers to an entity that reimburses product partners 640 for a drug, such as a vaccine, and reimburses physicians for a drug administered. The settlement server 1715 will settle to the insurance company 630 and process the matters governing insurance payments.

Manufacturer 610 refers to an entity that is to supply a product, such as a drug, vaccine, etc., to user 600 or product partner 640. The manufacturer 610 receives the order from the settlement server 1715 at the product manufacturer server 1710. The order will then be sent directly to the user 600 or product partner 640 and the tracking number and manifest will be sent to the settlement server 1715, which will forward the information to the control server 1705. It is expected that the product will arrive in time, for example within 48 hours after shipment.

An exemplary method according to one embodiment is provided in fig. 24. In step 1800, an operator, such as a nurse in the physician's office 600, removes individual product containers, such as vials, stored in the dispensing cassettes 400 from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. In step two 1805, the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 records the retrieval and sends the information to the control server 1705. In step three 1810, the operator enters information in the consumer (e.g., patient) record and sends the data to settlement server 1715 for settlement through the relevant information extracted from POMIS. In a next step 1815, the settlement server settles to the insurance company for reimbursement. At step 1820, the control server 1705 identifies and tracks the use of vials and, if the number of vials is below a standard level, communicates with the settlement server 1715 to order more products. At step 1825, the settlement server 1715 requests replenishment of more products from the manufacturer 610 by sending the order to the manufacturer 610.

Then, the manufacturer 610 sends the product; generating tracking numbers, lists and invoices; and sends the information to settlement server 1715 at step 1830. At step 1835, the settlement server 1715 forwards the tracking number and the invoice to the control server 1705 and the product partner 640. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 is then refilled 1840 and the control server 1705 is notified when the refill is complete 1845. Then, the control server 1705 notifies the settlement server 1715 of the delivery of the product and the updated inventory level information in step 1850. The settlement server 115 then processes the manufacturer's invoice for the product cost at step 1855. When settlement server 1715 receives an reimbursement from the insurance at step 1860, this step is complete.

An exemplary overall system flow of the above system is as follows. It is contemplated that the replenishment order may be submitted via a keypad of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, a smart phone, or a mobile device having a software application that receives information from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 and may be communicatively connected to a system, such as the control server 1705 or the settlement server 1715. The replenishment system may also be controlled via a web page communicatively connected to the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, such as via the control server 1705 or the settlement server 1715.

The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may obtain product information through the use of a bar code scanner. The barcode scanner may be located on the control room 115. The personnel responsible for replenishing the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may scan each product, such as a vaccine, before replenishing the dispensing box 400. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may include a server within the control room 115 that maintains communication between the user's office and the control server 1705, the control server 1705 being at the vendor that manufactures and maintains the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may report to the manufacturer of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 each activity of a product and an event or alarm that action needs to be taken.

As described above, the dispensing cartridge 400 does not allow product to be returned through the dispenser drawer 420. If the product is removed, it may be placed in the drawer assembly 360. Alternatively, after an initial dose is administered from such a product, a product that allows multiple doses may be placed in the drawer assembly 360. Preferably, the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 only tracks whether product is in the dispensing box 400. In the case of such multiple administrations, it is the responsibility of the user to track the payment and distribution of the product.

The following exemplary steps may be used by a doctor and/or nurse in using the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. A doctor, nurse, or other user logs in using his or her own unique user code. The user opens the door of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 and pulls the desired vial from the dispensing drawer 420 of the dispensing box 400. If the user pulls the vial by mistake, the vial can be placed in the drawer assembly 360. Similarly, if the product is a multi-dose vaccine, the remaining vaccine can be placed in the drawer assembly 360. The user then closes the door 105 of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, provides the product to the patient or end recipient, records the dose in POMIS, and disposes of the vial or syringe according to normal operating procedures. The allocation is recorded in the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 and forwarded to the manufacturer of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 or any other party monitoring the use of the refrigerated cabinet. Preferably, the settlement system is configured to ensure that products, such as vaccines, are settled to the insurer within 24 hours after use. Preferably, a replenishment order is placed when the inventory level decreases, or at specific intervals.

In another exemplary step employed by the product specialist, the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may be optimally used according to the following steps. The manufacturer or manager of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 establishes an initial inventory of products, such as vaccines. When product bottles are removed from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, the reduction in inventory is recorded in the control room 115 and forwarded to the management partner 605 or the control server 1705. The management partner 605 or the control server 1705 recognizes when the inventory level, more preferably the non-expired inventory level, falls below the standard and notifies the settlement server 1715 or the designated party who placed and managed the product order. The settlement server 1715, or the party designated to manage the order, places the order to the product manufacturer 610. The product manufacturer 610 sends the order to the settlement server 1715 and alerts the settlement server 1715 to track the information, which is then forwarded to the control server or manufacturer/manager of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100.

The settlement server 1715, or the party designated to manage the order, notifies the product partners and the manufacturer/manager of the data received from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, preferably including making X deliveries of the particular product the next day for the intended purpose. The product partner schedules access to the user's office and supplements the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 from the delivered product order. If the delivery occurs before the arrival of the product partner's specialist, the user may place the product in the appropriate freezer to maintain temperature control.

The expert of the product partner confirms whether the temperature indicator on the packaging box is in a proper state; logging in by using a unique code through a keyboard; unlocking the vaccine chamber; replacement of products according to industry standards (e.g., using first-in-first-out (FIFO) principles); and scans the bar code of each vial and interacts with the front panel LCD/touch screen of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 to determine the product to be loaded. Preferably, the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, as well as the manager, or manufacturer, of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, records the product name, the number of doses received, the date the product was received, the status of the arrival of the product, the product manufacturer, the lot number, and the expiration date of the product, as determined by the scanner and front panel dialog. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may include one or more blinking LEDs under the cartridges/wells to indicate which cartridge/well is to be replenished, and preferably, the replenisher verifies each time that the vaccine to be replaced is entering the correct cartridge/well. Preferably, the failed product is removed and sent to the manufacturer for reimbursement and/or replacement. Vaccine failure may be due to power loss, expiration, or temperature fluctuations.

It is contemplated that control server 1705 may be configured to allow for refunding of failed products. This option may be included under the inventory menu option entitled "Return to manufacturer/dead product". The spent product in the dispenser box or drawer assembly 360 may also be returned to the product manufacturer for disposal and/or reimbursement.

The product partner's expert ensures that all non-failed (and non-recalled) vials in the drawer assembly 360 will remain there for future use. He or she then optionally locks the vaccine chamber, replaces other items (labels, boxes, containers, etc.) as needed, and contacts the user to see if any problems exist.

The product specialist also asks whether any maintenance items need to be checked and notifies the manufacturer and/or manager of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. The temperature of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 is automatically controlled so that a product specialist need not record such information. The product specialist will then provide a summary of the usage of the product (preferably monthly) and answer any questions related to the product.

According to one aspect of an embodiment of the invention, the system employs the following exemplary inventory reconciliation steps. A product specialist may physically check the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 to check the automated refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 against inventory levels recorded by the manufacturer/control server 1705. A product specialist or other user performing inventory checks interacts with the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 LCD/touch screen 130 dialog box or user input device 140 to record any and all inventory discrepancies. The inventory levels of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 and the manufacturer/control server 1705 are adjusted to match the physical inventory and the adjustments are illustrated in time-stamped annotations.

In some cases, the input menu may need to be modified. An exemplary menu modification step may include the following steps. If product demand is expected to change, for example, during the return season or flu season, and the demand for certain vaccines is high, then menus and inventory may change. The product partner may evaluate the need for the second refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, or modify the amount of product supplied. A product partner may submit a "menu change" to the manufacturer or manager of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. The manager or manufacturer will then build a new menu and download the new menu to the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 over the network. The manufacturer or manager of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may store all historical data, such as location, product type (e.g., vaccines), and user, on the server for analysis as needed. The product specialist arrives at the user's office and contacts the manager or manufacturer technical department to seek assistance regarding completing menu changes. The system is designed to include steps when there is a remaining product in the affected cassette/sink. For example, the "pick up" option allows products to be moved without generating invoiced invoices or replenishment orders. Reload inventory and update the system.

If there is a fault or an alarm is otherwise activated, the system will be configured to apply the following steps. Once the alarm is activated, the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 records the alarm and forwards a notification of the alarm to the manufacturer/manager of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. Preferably, the service telephone number is displayed on a display of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. The manufacturer/manager may notify the product specialist as soon as possible by email, SMS, or any other electronic means. Preferably, the product specialist contacts the user to determine the cause of the alarm (e.g., unit unplugged, temperature drop, etc.) and to resolve the problem (if possible). The product specialist may follow a specified protocol. The call results are recorded in a manufacturer/manager database for evaluation by management personnel. The information collected may include the date, the name of the person talking to, the time, and any other information that the user, manufacturer, or service provider deems critical. If the problem remains unresolved, a product specialist may contact the manufacturer/manager of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 for technical support. The manufacturer/manager may then dispatch technicians as needed. Items that the technician may check include the length of time that the battery is available as a backup power source-a minimum of 48 hours, preferably 72 hours, which allows for use on holiday weekends when the office may be closed for three days.

The following events are examples of items that may cause an alarm to be triggered: out of range temperature, door open outside of a predetermined period of time, no primary power (i.e., switch to battery), impending total power down (i.e., no primary power and battery power drain), inability to communicate with server, illegal access or an excess number of access attempts, inability to communicate with a particular cassette/slot, low battery power (test AC/DC loads), dispensing failed vaccines, and dispensing recalled or isolated vaccines. These records may be stored on the manufacturer's server, for example, for three years, or as required by legal or commercial practices.

In one embodiment, the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may provide a redundant system to address potential power outages. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may include a backup battery to provide power in the event of a power failure. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 can be programmed to lock out product and not dispense product to maintain temperature and protect stored product. A lock override (override) function may be provided when a special access code is entered to allow emergency entry or to move the product to another location. Further, after a configurable time interval, either the refrigerator or freezer compartment may be shut down to conserve battery power, and at this stage the lock will continue to remain in a locked state. Once the battery is completely dead, the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 will be in an unlocked state.

Steps may also be implemented to address recall and quarantine issues of stored products. In this case, the manufacturer/manager will record the recall/quarantine of a particular product (e.g., vaccine), including the lot number, on the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100. On the display of the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100, the product will be identified as "pending (On Hold)". In some embodiments, the dispenser box 400 will be locked to prevent product dispensing. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 may also flash an LED to alert of product use, display an alert on the front panel display, issue an alarm if an isolated product is dispensed, and lock in a software configurable state. The product specialist can, after entering the password, remove the recalled vaccine from the refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 and place such recalled vaccine in the user's refrigerator until the problem is resolved or moved to his own facility.

The system may further be configured to allow transfer of the vaccine between different locations, for example between physician offices within the scope of a vaccine partner. Software implementing the system may implement the following steps. First, the manufacturer sets the inventory level to manage the steps. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 and the manufacturer software have the ability to accept transfer vaccine from another user. The software may include transportation practices established for vaccine experts, for example, as an option, a transportation receptacle of a 12 volt DC power converter that plugs into an electrical receptacle in a vehicle to cool the container. The software also tracks the temperature of the cold chain. In some cases, the shipping container may be another refrigerated storage and dispensing unit 100 into which the dispensing box 400 may be inserted and powered by an automobile. This special software is only available for shipping.

The software and system may also include solutions to discrepancies and errors. In one exemplary embodiment, when a shipping error occurs, the product specialist matches the shipping request of the settlement server or partner with the shipping receipt of the product manufacturer and issues a discrepancy alert to the settlement server or partner. The software may include a verification step to cross-check that the delivered item is a reserved item and is then placed in the various boxes/slots of the distribution box 400.

Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments of the present invention and certain modifications thereto, various other embodiments of the embodiments illustrated and described herein, as well as certain variations and modifications, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with the basic concepts described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims (21)

1. A refrigerated storage and dispensing unit comprising:

a refrigerator body;

a rack disposed inside the refrigerator cabinet and having a wall defining an open cavity inside the rack, wherein the rack is removable from the refrigerator cabinet;

a rack release lever pivotally mounted inside the rack and engaged with a mounting nut secured to the inside of the refrigerator cabinet;

a shelf secured to the wall of the rack within the open cavity; and

a plurality of product dispensing boxes movably disposed on the shelf, each of the product dispensing boxes further comprising an upright housing containing a plurality of product units and a dispensing drawer configured to move horizontally out of the housing, wherein each of the product dispensing boxes is configured to sequentially dispense a single product unit from a fully closed position to a fully open position on each horizontal extension of the dispensing drawer.

2. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 1, wherein each dispensing cartridge is further configured to gravity feed a product unit to the dispensing drawer when the dispensing drawer is closed from a fully open position.

3. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 1, the shelf further comprising a plurality of movable latches mounted to a back side of the shelf, each latch engaging a ridge located on a back side of one of the product dispensing boxes.

4. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 3, wherein the latch is biased downward to a locked position that locks each of the product dispensing boxes to the shelf.

5. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 4, further comprising a processor-controlled actuator engaged with the latch and configured to pivot the latch upward to an unlocked position, the unlocked position enabling removal of the product dispensing box from the shelf.

6. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 5, further comprising a manual release lever having a back end and a front end, the back end engaged with the latch accessible from the front side of the shelf to the front end.

7. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 6, wherein the front end of the manual release lever is located behind a movable safety panel.

8. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 1, wherein each of the product dispensing boxes further comprises two parallel side walls, a top wall, and a front wall, wherein each of the side walls is perforated to provide an airflow opening therethrough.

9. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 8, wherein the width dimension of the front wall is greater than the width dimension of the top wall, and wherein the side edges of the front walls of adjacent dispensing boxes abut each other.

10. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 8, wherein each of the dispensing boxes further comprises a product reload door pivotally mounted to the front wall of the dispensing box, each of the product reload doors having a vertical portion aligned with the front wall of the dispensing box and a horizontal portion aligned with the top wall of the dispensing box.

11. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 1, wherein the shelf further comprises a plurality of slots, each slot receiving one of the dispensing boxes.

12. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 11, further comprising a cartridge guide tab extending upwardly from the shelf and defining the slot.

13. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 12, each of the slots further comprising a sensor configured to detect dispensing of a product unit from one of the dispensing boxes.

14. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 13, wherein the sensor is configured to detect dispensing of a product unit from one of the dispensing boxes when the dispensing drawer on the one of the dispensing boxes is opened to a fully open position.

15. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 1, further comprising a drawer assembly secured to the wall of the rack within the open cavity, the drawer assembly further comprising a horizontally slidable drawer.

16. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 15, the drawer further comprising an apertured hinged lid located in an upper wall of the drawer.

17. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 1, wherein the rack release lever is spring biased into engagement with the mounting nut.

18. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 1, further comprising a second shelf secured to the wall of the rack within the open cavity.

19. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 18, further comprising a front opening storage box removably disposed on the second shelf.

20. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 19, the open-front storage box having a hollow wall with a planar RFID antenna disposed therein, the planar RFID antenna configured to detect radio frequency signals transmitted from product units disposed in the open-front storage box.

21. The refrigerated storage and dispensing unit of claim 20, the second shelf further comprising a plurality of movable latches mounted to a back side of the second shelf, each latch engaging a ridge on a back side of an open-front storage box.

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