EP0954800B1 - Dispositif et procede de distribution de produits pharmaceutiques - Google Patents

Dispositif et procede de distribution de produits pharmaceutiques Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0954800B1
EP0954800B1 EP95936060.3A EP95936060A EP0954800B1 EP 0954800 B1 EP0954800 B1 EP 0954800B1 EP 95936060 A EP95936060 A EP 95936060A EP 0954800 B1 EP0954800 B1 EP 0954800B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
item
drawer
receptacle
receptacles
processor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95936060.3A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0954800A1 (fr
EP0954800A4 (fr
Inventor
John D. Higham
Peter P. Godlewski
Richard C. Arnold
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Omnicell Inc
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Omnicell Inc
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0954800A4 publication Critical patent/EP0954800A4/fr
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0092—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/62—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing access to pharmaceutical items to be dispensed .
  • the invention further relates to maintaining an inventory of the number and type of pharmaceutical items dispensed while providing easy and convenient access to the items.
  • dispensing carts are distributed at remote dispensing stations in the medical facility and are periodically exchanged with fully supplied carts.
  • the "used" cart is returned to a central supply area where inventory decreases of particular medical supplies are recorded and the cart is restocked to predetermined "par" levels. These par levels are intended to ensure constant availability of required medical supplies.
  • a dispensing system allowing easy and convenient access to the items to be dispensed while also maintaining an accurate inventory (including both removal and replacement) of the number and type of items to be dispensed.
  • Such a system should reduce the possibility of stock outs and provide accountability by controlling access to the supplies and allowing easy return of unused items.
  • the system should also allow for inventories to be maintained at minimum levels and should be able to directly supply inventory information to the medical facility's inventory and billing systems.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,263,596 describes a subassembly for use in a medical dispenser station which dispenses pharmaceutical items in single quantities from a locked storage location.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3,715,148 describes a medicine dispensing cabinet having a plurality of sliding drawers and a plurality of dispensing trays.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3,556,342 describes a medicine dispensing apparatus for dispensing medicines from a cabinet and into a hopper.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,047,948 describes a medication dispensing system for dispensing medicines into a receptacle in the bottom of a medicine cabinet.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,962,491 describes a portable medication dispenser for visually and audibly indicating the times at which a patient's medications are to be taken.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,014,875 describes a medication dispenser having a housing with a plurality of locked drawers which are stocked with selected pharmaceutical items. Access to the items is allowed upon keyboard entry of a predetermined access code.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3,917,045 describes a drug dispensing apparatus for automatically dispensing one or more individual drug doses to a common collection area as required by a patient.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,019,793 describes a pharmaceutical dosage distribution apparatus having an enclosure with a door and a plurality of trays.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,267,942 describes a pharmaceutical storage and dispensing cabinet for dispensing items into a retrieval tray for removal.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,360,125 describes a medication dispenser which can provide a medication alert signal in accordance with a desired medication regimen.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,473,884 describes a portable medical dispensing unit for storing pills.
  • the dispensing unit is programmed with a medication schedule which causes visual and audio signals when it is time for medication to be consumed.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,635,053 describes an apparatus for monitoring and restricting access to individual items which are provided with a unique identifying code. The codes are scanned by a microprocessor to identify removal of the item.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,695,954 describes a system and method for dispensing medications prescribed by a doctor.
  • the system includes a medical dispenser which can read prescription information from a memory device and make the medications available to the patient at the prescribed times.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,783,740 describes an inventory management system having a central control unit and a number of parts terminal units that are disposed at each parts container.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,785,969 describes a medication dispensing system for controlled programmed dispensing of medication to a patient and for creating a retrievable patient medication record.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,811,764 describes a medication dispenser station having rotatable carousels with vertically open compartments containing individual doses of a medication.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,847,764 describes a system for dispensing medications in a health care institution.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,942,275 describes a control panel face for mounting to a control member.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,967,928 describes a medication cart for dispensing medicines during a nurse's rounds.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,055,660 describes a transaction monitoring and security system for recording data from the sale of articles.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,069,511 describes a pharmaceutical cart for retaining a plurality of dispensing bins on shelves.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,259,668 describes a medication cart having a base formed of a pair of molded plates interconnected by rails. The plates have molded grooves and holes for receiving structural elements of the cart.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,267,174 describes a medication delivery device having a housing containing separate storage locations for holding medication dosages away from access by the user.
  • the present invention provides a method for dispensing pharmaceutical and medical supply items from a dispensing unit as defined by claim 1.
  • the present invention provides a dispensing unit as defined by claim 12.
  • the invention provides improved methods and apparatus for adding and removing pharmaceutical items to or from a dispensing unit and for maintaining an inventory of the items.
  • the methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly useful with the dispensing unit as described generally in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/095,619, filed July 21, 1993 (Attorney Docket No. 16166-1).
  • Such a unit allows a user to visually locate an item to be removed and to record removal of the item by pressing a touch-sensitive button in close proximity to the storage location of the item.
  • a similar procedure is used when placing items into the unit.
  • the dispensing unit 10 includes an enclosure 12 and a plurality of adjustable shelves 14.
  • the enclosure 12 can be divided into a plurality of compartments 16 to increase the number of shelves 14 that can be disposed in the enclosure 12.
  • Each shelf 14 can be further subdivided to form a plurality of storage locations 18.
  • Disposed on the shelves 14 and near each storage location 18 are touch-sensitive buttons 20.
  • the buttons 20 are connected to a processor 22 which receives signals from the buttons 20 when actuated.
  • buttons 20 are disposed on the shelves 14 so that each storage location 18 is associated with a button 20.
  • the button 20 When an item is to be placed in or removed from a shelf 14, the button 20 in close proximity to the storage location 18 holding the item is actuated. Actuation of the button 20 sends a signal to the processor 22 to record removal of an item from or placement of an item into that particular storage location 18.
  • a return item button 23 is disposed at the end of each shelf 14. Actuation of the return item button 23 sends a signal to the processor 22 to place the buttons 20 on that particular shelf 14 in a credit mode. An item can then be returned to one of the storage locations 18 on that particular shelf 14, and the associated button 20 depressed to record replacement of the item.
  • a plurality of visual indicators 24 are also disposed on the shelves and near each of the buttons 20 so that each button 20 has a corresponding visual indicator 24.
  • the visual indicators 24 are used to assist in locating an item to be removed from the dispensing unit 10.
  • the processor 22 contains a list of all of the items held in the dispensing unit 10. From this list, a user can select the desired item to be removed by entering the selection into the processor 22. The processor 22 then sends a signal to actuate the visual indicator 24 in close proximity to the storage location 18 having the item.
  • the dispensing unit further includes a plurality of doors 26 which can be used to provide security for the items held in the unit 10.
  • the doors 26 are preferably transparent and can be locked to prevent access to the items in the unit as described in more detail hereinafter.
  • the dispensing unit 10 has proven to be generally successful in maintaining an inventory of items dispensed from the unit.
  • the invention as described in detail hereinafter provides improvements to dispensing units of the type described in Fig. 1 .
  • the storage locations are configured such that they can at least partially be pulled out or withdrawn from the dispensing unit. This configuration allows easier access to the storage locations.
  • Exemplary apparatus for providing pull-out storage locations include drawers, racks, bins, hangars, and the like.
  • Another particular advantage in using pull-out storage locations is that the storage locations can be further subdivided into a plurality of receptacles.
  • the receptacles can be arranged in either one-dimensional or a multidimensional array.
  • dividers can be placed therein to form either a single row of receptacles or a plurality of rows. This allows the drawer to be subdivided in a desired manner according to the number and size of the receptacles required.
  • a separate sensor can be provided for each receptacle to maintain an inventory of items either placed in or removed from that particular receptacle.
  • each receptacle would be provided with a sensor so that when an item is withdrawn from one of the receptacles, the associated sensor can be actuated to record removal of the item from the receptacle.
  • the sensor could also be used to record placement of an item into the receptacle.
  • Exemplary sensors for maintaining a record of the inventory of the items in the receptacles include touch-sensitive buttons, weight sensors, optical sensors, electromagnetic sensors, capacitative sensors, and the like.
  • a second set of sensors can be utilized to determine when the storage locations have been accessed.
  • Use of storage location-associated sensors is particularly advantageous when having a plurality of storage locations with a plurality of receptacles in at least some of the storage locations.
  • a common set of receptacle-associated sensors can be used for the receptacles of each of the storage locations rather than providing each receptacle with a separate sensor.
  • the storage location-associated sensor sends a signal to the processor indicating that that particular storage location has been accessed.
  • the processor can then use this information to set the common set of receptacle-associated sensors to correspond to the receptacle locations of the accessed drawer. After an item has been removed from a particular receptacle, the associated sensor can then be actuated to record removal of the item from that particular receptacle.
  • Providing a common set of receptacle-associated sensors is advantageous because it reduces the circuitry otherwise required to provide each receptacle with a separate sensor.
  • Exemplary sensors for sensing when a particular storage location has been accessed include electromechanical switches, optical sensors, electromagnetic sensors, capacitative sensors, and the like.
  • the dispensing unit can be placed in a return item mode by actuating a return item sensor near each of the storage locations. Actuation of the return item sensor sends a signal to the processor to place the receptacle-associated sensors in return mode. An item can then be replaced and the associated receptacle sensor actuated to record replacement of the item.
  • Security for the items held in the dispensing unit can be provided by a variety of devices.
  • One such device is a lock disposed near each pull-out storage location to prevent withdrawal of the drawer until certain information, such as user identification and patient identification information, has been entered into the processor.
  • the processor can send a signal to unlock all of the storage locations, or only the particular storage location having the item.
  • Locks can also be provided for the pull-out storage locations so that once a storage location has been withdrawn, all remaining storage locations are locked. Locking the remaining storage locations in this manner is advantageous in preventing confusion as to which receptacles correspond to the common set of receptacle-associated sensors. Since only one storage location can be accessed at a time, the receptacle-associated sensors will correspond to the receptacles of the withdrawn storage location.
  • withdrawal of one of the storage locations will preferably cause all of the remaining storage locations to become locked. This ensures that only one storage location can be accessed at a time.
  • the associated receptacle sensor can be actuated to record removal of the item.
  • the processor sends the signal to unlock all of the storage locations so that a subsequent item can be removed. This allows a user access to all of the storage locations as long as the user is diligent in recording removal of an item from an accessed storage location.
  • An emergency by-pass switch can be provided on the unit so that all of the storage locations can be accessed without being required to enter identification information into the processor.
  • Exemplary locking devices include electromechanical locks, electromagnetic locks, and the like.
  • the associated receptacle sensor can be actuated according to the number of items to be removed or added. For example, if three items were to be removed from a particular receptacle, the sensor could be actuated three different times to record removal of the three items.
  • the senor can optionally be provided with an audio indicator.
  • an audio indicator For example, if the receptacle sensor were a touch-activated sensor, when the button is depressed, a beep would be produced to indicate that the button has been actuated.
  • the number of items taken can be visually displayed on the screen of the associated processor. This serves as verification that the touch-activated sensor has been depressed the correct number of times.
  • a dispensing unit 28 having a row of touch-sensitive buttons 30.
  • the row of buttons 30 are common to a plurality of drawers 32 that are slidably disposed within a frame 34.
  • the dispensing unit 28 can be a stand alone unit, or can alternatively be a portion of a larger dispensing unit of the type shown in Fig. 1 .
  • At least some of the drawers 32 are provided with a plurality of receptacles 36 for holding items.
  • each button 30 will be provided with a unique button identification symbol 38, which will usually be a numeral.
  • the receptacles 36 of each drawer 32 will preferably be provided with the same unique reference symbol 38 as its corresponding button 30.
  • the buttons 30 can numbered one to six.
  • the receptacles 36 for each of the drawers 32 will also be numbered from one to six (or any number less than six if there are fewer than six receptacles in the drawer). Of course, this assumes that the number of receptacles 36 will be equal to or less than the number of buttons 30 so that a receptacle 36 will always have a corresponding button 30.
  • each drawer 32 Associated with each drawer 32 is a sensor 40 for sensing when the drawer 30 has been pulled out from the frame 34.
  • Each of the sensors 40 and the buttons 30 are connected to a processor (not shown) for receiving signals from the sensors 40 or the buttons 30.
  • the associated sensor 40 sends a signal to the processor indicating access to the drawer 32.
  • the processor then sends a signal to set the buttons 30 to correspond to the receptacles 36 of the withdrawn drawer 32.
  • An item can then be either placed into or removed from a particular receptacle and the button 30 having the same identification symbol 38 as the accessed receptacle 36 is touched to record removal or addition of the item to or from the dispensing unit 28. Additional items can also be removed or added from or to the receptacles 36 of the withdrawn drawer 32 with an inventory being maintained by selecting the associated button 30.
  • a plurality of visual indicators 42 are disposed near each of the buttons 30 and each of the drawers 32 are provided with a unique drawer identification number 44 that correspond to the button identification symbols 38.
  • the processor can send a signal to actuate the visual indicator 42 near the button 30 having the same identification symbol as the drawer identification symbol 44 for the drawer 32 having the item.
  • the processor can send another signal to actuate the visual indicator 42 near the button 30 having the same identification symbol as the receptacle 36 having the item.
  • a second set of visual indicators can optionally be provided on the drawers 32, with each drawer 32 having a separate visual indicator. The processor can then send a signal to actuate the drawer-associated visual indicator on the drawer 32 having the item.
  • the sensors 40 can optionally be combined with locking mechanisms, e.g., mechanical, electromagnetic, or the like, such that when one drawer 32 is pulled out the others are locked until the extended drawer 32 is returned. This insures that the buttons 30 will always correspond to the receptacles 36 of the withdrawn drawer 32.
  • locking mechanisms e.g., mechanical, electromagnetic, or the like
  • a return item button 39 can be provided at the end of the row of touch-sensitive buttons 30 for placing the dispensing unit 28 in return mode.
  • return item button 39 When return item button 39 is depressed, a signal is sent to the processor to place the touch-sensitive buttons in return mode.
  • a drawer 32 can then be accessed, the item returned to the appropriate receptacle 36, and the associated touch-sensitive button 30 depressed to record replacement of the item.
  • a dispensing unit 46 having a plurality of pull-out racks 48.
  • the racks 48 are slidably disposed along a shelf 50.
  • the dispensing unit 46 can be a stand alone unit, or can alternatively be used in a larger dispensing unit.
  • At least some of the racks 48 include a plurality of pegs 51 for holding items 52.
  • Exemplary items to be held on the pegs 51 include catheters which can be vertically hung from the pegs 51.
  • Disposed near each of the racks 48 are a set of touch-sensitive buttons 54 for recording removal or addition of items.
  • the dispensing unit 46 further includes a plurality of sensors 56 for sensing when the racks 48 have been withdrawn from the shelf 50.
  • Both the buttons 54 and the sensors 56 are connected to a processor (not shown).
  • the sensors 56 can also be provided with locks so that when one rack 48 is pulled out the others are locked until the extended rack 48 is returned. This insures that the buttons 54 will always correspond to the pegs 51 of the withdrawn rack 48.
  • buttons 54 When a particular rack 48 is withdrawn from the shelf 50, a signal is sent from the sensor 56 to the processor to indicate withdrawal of the rack 48.
  • the processor sets the buttons 54 to correspond to the pegs 51 in a manner similar to the embodiment previously described in connection with Fig. 2 .
  • a set of button identification symbols 58 can be provided for each button 54 and for each peg 51 so that removal of an item 52 from one of the pegs 51 can be recorded by touching the button 54 having the same identification symbol 58 as the peg 51 having the item 52.
  • a plurality of visual indicators 60 can be disposed near each of the buttons 54, with each button 54 having a separate visual indicator 60.
  • the visual indicators 60 are used to identify which rack 48 and which peg 51 on the rack 48 contains the desired item. For instance, to locate a particular item, the processor can send a signal to the visual indicator 60 near the rack 48 having the item.
  • both the buttons 54 and the visual indicator 60 will be disposed above and generally aligned with each of the racks 48 so that each button 54 and each visual indicator 60 correspond to an aligned rack 48.
  • the processor can send a signal to the visual indicator 60 near the button 54 having the same identification symbol 58 as the peg 51 having the item.
  • a second set of visual indicators could be disposed near each peg to indicate which peg 51 has the item.
  • a return item button 59 can be provided at the end of the row of touch-sensitive buttons 54 for placing the dispensing unit in return mode.
  • return item button 59 When return item button 59 is depressed, a signal is sent to the processor to place the touch-sensitive buttons 54 in return mode.
  • a rack 48 can then be accessed, the item returned to the appropriate peg 51, and the associated touch-sensitive button 54 depressed to record replacement of the item.
  • the dispensing unit 46 further includes a door 62 which can be used to provide security for the items held in the unit 46 as described in more detail hereinafter.
  • a detailed view of one of the pegs 51 of the dispensing unit 46 is shown.
  • the peg 51 is provided with a sensor 64 for sensing when one of the items 52 has been removed from or added to the peg 51.
  • the sensor includes a lever 66 that is connected to the rack 48 by a hinge 68.
  • a microswitch 70 is disposed beneath the lever 66 to detect when the lever 66 has been lifted from the peg 51. When the microswitch 70 is actuated, a signal is sent to the processor indicating that one of the items 52 has been either removed from or placed onto the peg 51.
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need for the touch-sensitive buttons 54 described in Fig. 3 .
  • the sensor 64 is able to maintain an inventory of the items 52 without requiring the user to touch one of the buttons 54.
  • FIG. 3B Shown in Fig. 3B is an alternative aspect of the dispensing unit 46 having an aperture 72 in the door 62.
  • the aperture 72 is disposed near the touch-sensitive buttons 54 so that the buttons 54 are accessible even when the door 62 is closed.
  • the door 62 is locked until appropriate identification information, such as item identification information, has been entered into the processor.
  • a signal is sent to unlock the door 62 to provide access to the items in the unit 46.
  • One way to enter item identification information into the processor is to actuate the buttons 54.
  • the aperture 72 provides access to the buttons 54 when the door 62 is closed and locked so that one of the buttons 54 can be selected to indicate that an item is to be removed. Once the button 54 is selected, the door 62 is unlocked to allow access to the items.
  • access to one of the items 52 held in the unit 46 is as follows. After entering user identification information and patient identification information into the processor, the user selects the rack 48 having the item 52 by pressing the button 54 disposed above the rack 48. In one particular aspect, the visual indicator 60 will then be actuated to remind the user which rack 48 was selected. Actuation of the button 54 unlocks the door 62. When the door 62 is opened, the user can pull out the selected rack 48 and remove the item 52 from the peg 51. Removal of the item 52 is then recorded by pressing the button 54 having the same identification number 58 as the peg 51 having the item 52.
  • FIG. 3C another alternative aspect of the dispensing unit 46 of Fig. 3 is shown with the touch-sensitive buttons 54 being disposed along the racks 48.
  • Each peg 51 is provided with its own button 54 so that removal or addition of an item 52 to or from the peg 51 can be recorded by simply touching the button 54 disposed in closest proximity to the peg 51 having the item 52.
  • visual indicators 60 can be disposed above each of the racks 48. Actuation of one of the visual indicators 60 signifies which rack 48 has the item to be removed. Once the rack 48 has been withdrawn, the peg 51 having the item 52 can be visually located by actuating the visual indicator 60 having the same button identification symbol as the peg 51 having the item 52.
  • a second set of visual indicators 61 can be provided near each of the buttons 54 to indicate which peg 51 has the item.
  • FIG. 4 Shown in Fig. 4 is another embodiment of a dispensing unit 80 having a plurality of drawers 82 disposed along rows 83.
  • the dispensing unit 80 can be a stand alone unit, or can alternatively be part of a larger dispensing unit.
  • Each row 83 of drawers 82 has an associated row of touch-sensitive buttons 84 disposed on a panel 86, with each button 84 being generally aligned with a drawer 82.
  • At least some of the drawers 82 include dividers 86 for dividing the drawers 82 into a plurality of receptacles 88.
  • a plurality of button identification symbols 90 can be provided for each of the buttons 84 and for each of the receptacles 88 as previously described in Figs. 2 and 3 .
  • the unit 80 further includes a plurality of visual indicators 92, with each button 84 having an associated indicator 92.
  • the dispensing unit 80 operates in a manner similar to the dispensing unit 46 of Fig. 3 with the drawers 88 corresponding to the racks 48 and the receptacles 88 corresponding to the pegs 51.
  • a plurality of sensors 94 are disposed near each drawer 82 and connected with a processor (not shown) so that withdrawal of one of drawers 82 sends a signal to the processor to indicate access of that particular drawer.
  • the processor then sets the row of buttons 84 over the withdrawn drawer 82 to correspond to the particular receptacles 88 of the withdrawn drawer 82.
  • Removal of an item or placement of an item into one of the receptacles 88 can be recorded by actuating the button 84 having the same identification symbol as the accessed receptacle 88.
  • a return item button 89 is provided at the end of the row of touch-sensitive buttons 84 for placing the dispensing unit 80 in return mode as previously described.
  • the dispensing unit 80 can further be provided with a door 96 for providing security to the items held in the unit 80.
  • the door 96 can be provided with a plurality of apertures to correspond to the buttons 84 in a manner similar to the apertures previously described in connection with Fig. 3B .
  • the dispensing unit 80 can be provided with a plurality of removable bins 98 instead of or in addition to the drawers 82 described in Fig. 4 . Removal of one of the bins 98 is detected by a sensor (not shown) near the bin 98 which sends a signal to the processor to set the buttons 84 to correspond to a set of receptacles 100 in the bin 98. To record removal of an item from the withdrawn receptacle 100, the button 84 having the same identification symbol 90 as the receptacle 100 having the item is actuated.
  • FIG. 6 an exemplary drawer 110 for a dispensing unit of the type previously described in connection with Fig. 1 will be described.
  • the drawer 110 is slidably mounted by a sliding mount 112 to a frame 114.
  • the frame 114 is the same frame used to hold the shelf 116.
  • the shelf 116 is essentially identical to the shelves 14 previously described in connection with Fig. 1 and includes a plurality of storage locations 118, a plurality of touch-sensitive buttons 120, and a plurality of visual indicators 122.
  • the drawer 110 can be subdivided into a plurality of receptacles 124 by dividers 126.
  • the dividers 126 are adjustable so that the number and size of the receptacles 124 can be varied depending on the size or number of items to be held in the receptacles 124.
  • Disposed near each receptacle 124 is a touch-sensitive button 128 and a corresponding visual indicator 130.
  • Button covers 132 can be provided for covering unnecessary buttons so that only one button 120 will be associated with each receptacle 124.
  • buttons 120 and the visual indicators 130 are connected to a processor (not shown).
  • a processor not shown.
  • the processor can send a signal to actuate the visual indicator 130 disposed near the receptacle 124 having the item.
  • the drawer 110 can be provided with a plurality of receptacle covers 134.
  • the covers 134 are preferably connected to the drawer 110 by a hinge 136 so that the covers 134 can be lifted from the drawer 110 to obtain access to the receptacles 124.
  • the covers 132 can be provided with a knob 138 to assist in lifting the cover 134.
  • a sensing mechanism comprising an electromagnetic sensor 140 and a magnet 142 are provided to sense when the cover 134 has been lifted.
  • an optical sensor, a capacitative sensor, or the like could also be used to sense when the cover 142 has been lifted.
  • the electromagnetic sensor 140 sends a signal to the processor to indicate that the cover 134 has been lifted.
  • This information can be used to record removal of an item from the receptacle 124 or can be stored and compared with item removal information entered by the button 128. If the cover 134 has been lifted more times than the button 128 was actuated, a report can be generated indicating that further user training or supervision may be required.
  • the covers 134 will be substantially transparent so that the items in the receptacles 124 and the visual indicators 130 can be viewed with the cover 134 closed.
  • the drawer 110 can be provided with a lock 144 for locking the cover 134 until user identification and patient identification information have been entered into the processor.
  • the processor will send a signal to unlock the cover 134 making the receptacle 124 available for access.
  • FIG. 8 An alternative aspect of the drawer 110 is shown in Fig. 8 .
  • One of the covers 134 is provided with an aperture 146 so that the button 128 is accessible when the cover 134 is closed.
  • the aperture 146 is large enough to allow access to the button 128 but small enough to prevent access to the receptacle 124.
  • the cover 134 will preferably remain locked until the button 128 is actuated to indicate an item is to be removed. This ensures that the removal of at least one item will be recorded before the item is made available for removal. Locking the cover 134 also serves as a reminder that the buttons 128 should be depressed each time an item is withdrawn from a receptacle 124 and also ensures a record of removed items so that stock can be replenished.
  • the processor can also be configured to lock the covers 134 and deny access to selected receptacles 124 based on the user identification information entered into the processor. Depending upon the user's identification, access will only be provided to the receptacles 124 to which that particular user is entitled.
  • the drawer 110 is provided with a plurality of receptacle sensors 148 arrayed along the sides of the receptacle 124.
  • the sensors 148 sense when a hand has entered the receptacle 124 to take or add an item. Each time the sensor is actuated, an entry is recorded.
  • the touch sensitive button 128 can optionally be provided and used to register the number of items taken. If no items have been taken, i.e. if no buttons 128 have been actuated, the sensors 148 can be used to record that the receptacle 124 has been accessed by the user. If the receptacle 124 has been accessed and the button 128 has not been actuated, then the processor can record removal of items based on the number of entries into the receptacles 124.
  • FIG. 10 A further alternative aspects of an exemplary dispensing unit 200 is shown in Fig. 10 .
  • the dispensing unit 200 is divided into a supply zone 202 and a pharmaceutical zone 204.
  • the supply zone 202 includes a plurality of shelves 206 that are subdivided into a plurality of storage locations as previously described in connection with the dispensing unit 10 of Fig. 1 .
  • a plurality of touch-sensitive item buttons 208 are provided on each shelf 206 for recording the transfer of an item to or from the storage location on the shelf 206 in the manner previously described in connection with the dispensing unit 10 of Fig. 1 .
  • the dispensing unit 200 further includes a processor 210 that is in communication with the buttons 208 for recording transfer information in the manner previously described with the processor 22 of the dispensing unit 10 of Fig. 1 .
  • the processor 210 is further employed to record transfer and other information for the pharmaceutical zone 204.
  • the pharmaceutical zone 204 includes a plurality of pull-out drawers 212.
  • a door 214 may optionally be provided over the drawers 212.
  • the number of drawers 212 (as well as the size of the pharmaceutical zone 204) are variable depending upon the number of pharmaceutical items to be held in the dispensing unit 200.
  • the dispensing unit 200 can be provided with only a pharmaceutical zone 204 so that only pharmaceutical items are held in the dispensing unit 200.
  • Both the door 214 and the drawers 212 may be provided with locks so that access can selectively be denied to the entire pharmaceutical zone 204 or to selected drawers 212.
  • Limiting access is preferably best accomplished by including a database in the processor 210 having a list of names of medical personnel along with the names of items to which each person may be afforded access. Upon entering of a nurse's identification information into the processor 210, the nurse's identification information is compared with the information in the database to determine which areas of the dispensing unit 200 that the nurse may access. The processor 210 can then send a signal to unlock the door 214 or selected drawers 212 for which the nurse may be afforded access.
  • At least some of the drawers 212 are provided with a plurality of bins 216 that are each preferably covered with a lid 218.
  • a touch-sensitive bin button 220 is located adjacent each of the bins 216 and optionally may be configured to operate essentially identical to the buttons 220 on the dispensing unit 10 of Fig. 1 to record the transfer of items to or from the bins 216.
  • Each of the buttons 220 can optionally be provided with a light source so that the button 220 can additionally serve as a visual indicator to locate the bin 216 having an item that is selected from the processor 210.
  • Also included on each drawer 212 is a touch-sensitive drawer button 222.
  • the drawer button 222 operates in a similar manner as the bin button 220 except that the drawer button 222 is employed to request the unlocking of the associated drawer 212.
  • a signal is sent to the processor 210 so that the processor 210 can send a return signal to unlock the drawer 212 and also to produce a record of access to that particular drawer 212.
  • the drawer button 222 can also function as a visual indicator to assist in locating the drawer 212 having an item requested from the processor 210.
  • each lid 216 (or selected lids) may be provided with a lock to secure the lid 218 in a closed position until receiving an unlock signal from the processor 210 as described hereinafter.
  • the pharmaceutical zone 204 may be configured to provide various levels of security to the items held in the bins 216.
  • Security is provided by requiring certain information to be entered into the processor 210 before locks on the door 214, the drawers 212, or the lids 218 will be unlocked.
  • the nurse will preferably be required to enter in both nurse and patient identification information.
  • a signal is sent from the processor 210 to unlock the door 214 (if provided).
  • the ability to access a desired drawer 212 will then vary depending upon the particular security level of the drawer 212.
  • at least some of the drawers 212 will be configured to be "low security" drawers which may be accessed by simply touching the drawer button 222 to unlock the requested drawer 212.
  • the low security drawer 212 will have all of its bins 216 freely accessible once the drawer 212 is open. Since access to the bins 216 is freely afforded, the lids 218 may optionally be removed. After removal of an item, the associated bin button 220 is touched to record the transaction as previously described. After removal of the item or items, the nurse closes the drawer 212 before requesting that another drawer be opened. In the event that the first drawer is not closed, a sensor (not shown) will detect that the first drawer has not been closed and the user will be instructed to close the first drawer before trying to select another drawer.
  • At least some of the drawers 212 can be configured to be "medium security" drawers which may be accessed in essentially the same manner as the low security drawers except that the lids 218 will have an associated sensor (not shown) to detect when the lid is open.
  • the lids 218 are preferably transparent so that the nurse may easily be able to identify the items in the bins 216.
  • a signal is sent to the processor 210 to produce a record of access to the drawer 218. This record may then be compared to the record produced when the associated touch-sensitive bin button 220 is depressed to record removal of an item.
  • a report may then be generated indicating any discrepancies between access to the bins 216 and the recordation of a transfer using the buttons 220.
  • the drawers 212 can be configured to be "high security" drawers where the lids 218 are opaque and access cannot be obtained until the nurse enters item identification information into the processor 210 for the particular item to be dispensed. Hence, if the nurse fails to input the item identification information into the processor 210, the drawer 212 will remain locked even if the drawer button 222 is selected. If such item identification information has been input, the drawer 212 will unlock when the drawer button 222 is selected.
  • the high security drawers further differ from the medium security drawers in that all of the lids 218 are locked except for the lid 218 covering the bin 216 having the requested item. When the drawer 212 is opened, only the bin 216 having the requested item will have its lid 218 unlocked so that the nurse can only gain access to the requested item.
  • both nurse and patient identification information are entered into the processor 210.
  • Patient identification information will usually be entered by selecting the patient from a list of patients already in the hospital. Such information will preferably be electronically transferred from the hospital's admission computer system.
  • Item identification information for the item to be dispensed is then input into the processor 210.
  • the drawer button 222 having the requested item is then pressed to request that the drawer 212 be unlocked.
  • the drawer button 222 can be lighted to assist the user in locating the drawer 212 having the item.
  • the drawer 212 is retracted and the lid covering the bin 216 having the requested item is unlocked.
  • the bin button 220 adjacent the unlocked bin 216 will be lighted to assist in locating the bin 216 having the requested item.
  • the unlocked lid 218 is then opened and the requested item removed. Since item identification information has already been entered into the processor 210, the bin button 220 need not be depressed to record the transaction.
  • the pharmacy zone 204 may alternately be configured to provide various levels of security for the items held therein based on information that is directly input into the processor 210 prior to access of removal of any items. Such information will usually take the form of nurse identification information, item identification, and in some cases item quantity information. Optionally, patient identification information may also be input. In this way, a nurse may "preselect" both the type and quantity of items that are to be removed before accessing a drawer or bin or other storage location. If the processor 210 determines that the nurse may have access to such items, the nurse will be guided via visual indicators to the appropriate storage locations. Then, the method of removal will vary depending on the particular security level required for each item. Such methods are illustrated in Figs. 10B-10D .
  • Fig. 10B illustrates a method for providing highest level of security when item and quantity information has been pre-selected, i.e. directly entered into the processor 210 prior to access and removal.
  • a first drawer 212 unlocks having a first one of the pre-selected items (assuming the nurse may have access to that drawer).
  • the button 222 may light to indicate the unlocked drawer.
  • the drawer 212 is then retracted and the button 220 adjacent the bin having the first item is lighted to assist the nurse in locating the item. All of the lids 218 will be locked except for the lid covering the bin 216 having the item which will unlock after receiving a signal from the processor 210 (based on the pre-entered item information).
  • the lid 218 is then opened and the item (or items) is removed. In the event that the nurse attempts to open another (unlocked) lid, an alarm is produced.
  • the lid 218 is closed. If another pre-selected item is held within the retracted drawer 212, the button 220 adjacent another bin 216 having the next item is lighted. This bin is then unlocked, and the item is removed from that bin as previously described. After all items have been removed from the retracted drawer, the drawer is closed. If other preselected items are in other drawers, they will each in turn unlock as previously described. In the event that a lid is open when a drawer 212 is closed, an alarm will sound to remind the nurse to close the lid.
  • Recordation of item removal is accomplished by sensing when each lid is opened. Since the processor is already provided with information regarding the items (including quantity) to be removed, such lid sensing information can be used to confirm that the pre-selected items have actually been removed (and hence used to produce a record of item removal).
  • a given bin will not have a sufficient inventory of pre-selected items.
  • the nurse will remove all items (of a single type) from a bin with a lighted button 220.
  • the processor 210 will know how many more items of the same type are still needed. The processor 210 will then send a signal to light the button 220 adjacent another bin 216 having the same type of items so that the pre-selected quantity can be dispensed.
  • the processor 210 may be configured to require the presence of a witness. In that event, a witness will be required to enter witness identification information into the processor 210 before access to the desired bin will be granted.
  • FIG. 10C A method for dispensing items with a lower level of security is illustrated in Fig. 10C .
  • the method of Fig. 10C is essentially identical to that of Fig. 10B except that the lids 216 are not locked. However, if a nurse attempts to access a bin 216 for which the button 220 is not lighted, an alarm will be produced. Alternatively, instead of producing an alarm, the nurse can optionally be prompted to enter item identification information into the processor 210 for additional items that were not originally selected.
  • FIG. 10D A method for dispensing items with still a lower level of security is illustrated in Fig. 10D .
  • the items do not need to be held in a bin with a lid. optionally, the items may even be held on a rack or a shelf.
  • the button 220 adjacent the bin 216 (or rack or shelf) having a first pre-selected item will be lighted. The nurse will then touch the button 220 to confirm that access to the that bin has been obtained. If an incorrect button is selected, an alarm will be produced. Upon touching the correct button 220, the nurse then removes the item (or items).
  • the button 220 adjacent the bin 216 having the next item will be lighted. After all items have been removed from the first drawer, the drawer is closed. If other preselected items are in other drawers, the nurse will in turn be directed to each drawer and each bin as previously described.
  • Restocking of the drawers may be accomplished in essentially the same manner as described with the dispensing unit of Fig. 1 and as described in copending U.S. Application Serial No. 08/095,619, previously incorporated herein by reference.
  • a list of items and associated quantities that are to be restocked may be entered into the processor 210 prior to restocking.
  • the processor 210 will be in communication with a central processor (not shown) which will regularly monitor the inventory levels for each dispensing unit within the hospital.
  • the central processor will send the list of items and quantities that are to be restocked to the processor 210.
  • the buttons 220 may then be lighted to guide the restock person through the restocking procedure. Each button may be pressed once to produce a message indicating how many items are to be restocked in a given bin 216.
  • the touch-sensitive button 220 adjacent the restocked bin 216 may be touched once to confirm that the receptacle has been restocked with items corresponding to the pre-entered information. If the restock person wishes to restock an item or a quantity that is different from the pre-entered information, such information may be manually entered into the processor 210 during the restocking process.
  • each of the bins 216 may be provided with a sensor to detect when the lid 218 covering the bin 216 has been at least partially removed when accessing the bin 216. In this way, heightened security can be provided to the items since the nurse will know that each time a lid 218 is opened a record of access will be produced. If the nurse opens one of the lids 218 and does not press the corresponding bin button 220 to record a transfer, a discrepancy between the access record and the removal record will result, thereby requiring the nurse to account for the discrepancy. In the case where item and quantity information are pre-selected, the button 220 may not be needed since the lid sensor may be used to produce a record of item removal.
  • a variety of sensors may be employed to detect removal of the lid 218 so that a signal may be sent to the processor 210 to produce an access record (or removal record) for each of the bins 216.
  • One exemplary sensor 224 is illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12 .
  • the sensor 224 is an electromechanical sensor that is depressed by an arm 226 on the lid 218.
  • the lid 218 is pivotally attached to the bin 216 so that as the lid 218 is lifted, the arm 226 is rotated toward the sensor 224.
  • a strain relief portion 228 may be provided on the arm to prevent damage to the arm 226 or the sensor 224. As best shown in Fig. 12 , the arm 226 comes in contact with the sensor 224 as the lid 218 is lifted.
  • the contact of the arm 226 with the sensor 224 causes a switch 230 on the sensor 224 to depress and make an electrical contact within the sensor 224.
  • a signal is sent to the processor 210 to produce a record of access (or removal).
  • the sensor 232 comprises an IR pair detector. Attached to the lid 218 is an arm 234 which is received in the sensor 232 when the lid 218 is closed. As best shown in Fig. 14 , as the lid 218 is opened the arm 234 pivots and slides from the sensor 232 to break an electrical circuit. The opening of the circuit is detected and a signal is sent to the processor 210 to record an access to the bin 216 (or to produce a record of removal).
  • FIG. 15-17 A further alternative embodiment of a sensor 236 for the bin 216 is shown in Figs. 15-17 .
  • the sensor 236 comprises a metallic spring clip that is part of an electrical circuit.
  • the lid 218 includes a tab 238 that is removed from the sensor 236 when the lid 218 is open as best shown in Fig. 16 .
  • the tab 238 separates the spring clip 236 to close the circuit.
  • the clip 236 closes and the circuit is opened.
  • current flow through the circuit may be detected and a signal sent to the processor 210 to record access to the bin 216 (or to produce a record of removal).
  • the waste receptacle 240 is provided to receive items that have previously been dispensed but for some reason cannot be returned to its original storage location (such as if the item has been only partially used or has been contaminated). In such cases, it is desirable to return the item so that the patient's bill may be credited and also so that the nurse may have evidence of the item's return which may subsequently be needed to explain the removal of a replacement item.
  • the waste receptacle 240 is covered by a lid 242 having an elongate slot 244.
  • the slot 244 is preferably covered by a one-way door 246 so that items may be introduced into the receptacle 240 through the one-way door 246 but cannot be removed once they are placed therein.
  • the lid 242 will preferably be locked so that access to the receptacle 240 can only be gained by authorized personnel once appropriate identification information has been input into the processor 210.
  • Illustrated in Fig. 18A is an exemplary method for wasting a previously dispensed item into the waste receptacle 240.
  • the nurse returning the item enters nurse identification information into the processor 210.
  • the nurse will also enter information into the processor 210 identifying the patient for whom the item was originally dispensed so that the patient's account may be credited.
  • the nurse will further enter item identification information into the processor 210 identifying the item to be wasted.
  • a witness will be required during wastage.
  • the processor will prompt the nurse to have a witness enter their identification information into the processor 210.
  • the processor 210 will also prompt the nurse to enter the quantity of the item that is to be wasted along with an explanation of why the item is to be wasted.
  • the nurse withdraws the drawer 212 having the waste receptacle 240 and places the item to be wasted in the slot 244.
  • single dose dispensing When dispensing pharmaceutical items, it is often desirable to store only a single item in each of the receptacles, often referred to as single dose dispensing. By providing only one item in each of the receptacles, records containing access information to the receptacles and transfer information of items from the receptacles can more easily be correlated.
  • Single dose dispensing is provided in the present invention by providing a sensor for each of the receptacles so that as each receptacle is accessed, a record of the access is produced. In the case where item and quantity information are pre-entered, the record of access may also be employed to produced a record of removal.
  • Each receptacle may optionally be provided with an associated touch-sensitive button for recording transfer information as an item is removed from each receptacle. Since only one item is held in each receptacle, if the access report and the transfer report do not correlate, the nurse responsible for the discrepancy may more easily be identified.
  • FIG. 19 An exemplary drawer 248 that is configured to dispense items in single doses is illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20 .
  • the drawer 248 may be integrated into the dispensing unit 200 in the pharmaceutical zone 204 in a manner similar to the drawers 212.
  • the drawer 248 includes a plurality of receptacles 250.
  • the receptacles 250 may vary in size, and are preferably aligned in rows. As described in greater detail hereinafter, the receptacles 250 are slidably held behind a cover 252 which is removable from the drawer 248 to provide access to all of the receptacles 250 during restocking.
  • a touch-sensitive receptacle button 254 Associated with each row of receptacles 250 is a touch-sensitive receptacle button 254.
  • the buttons 254 operate essentially identical to the bin buttons 220 to record transfer of items to or from the receptacles 250 as previously described.
  • the buttons 254 may
  • a plurality of lids 256 are provided to cover the receptacles 250.
  • the lids 256 are slidably received within the cover 252 and can be axially translated along their respective rows.
  • Each row of receptacles 250 will have all but one of its receptacles covered by a lid 256. In this way, only one receptacle 250 in each of the rows can be accessed at a time.
  • the lid 256 covering that item 260 will be slid from its receptacle 250 until it covers an adjacent receptacle 250 that does not have a lid 256.
  • a manual lock 258 will be provided to lock the cover 250 to the drawer 248 so that access to all of the receptacles 250 (such as when restocking) may only be afforded when the lock 258 is opened.
  • a method for removing one of the items 260 from one of the receptacles 250 will be described.
  • the nurse slides the lid 256 in the direction of arrow 262 to cover the adjacent (open) receptacle 250 and to expose item 260.
  • the nurse then lifts the item 260 from the receptacle 250 as illustrated in Fig. 22 .
  • the nurse touches the touch-sensitive receptacle button 254 in the row having the item 260 to record its transaction.
  • the lid 256 is translated from the receptacle 250, the removal of the lid 256 is sensed and is stored in the processor for later comparison.
  • item and quantity information may be entered into the processor before a receptacle is accessed so that removal of a lid 256 will produce a record of item removal, thereby eliminating the need to push to button 254. Further, access to certain receptacles can be controlled (e.g. with a lock) based on the pre-entered item identification information.
  • Removal of the lid 256 from the receptacle 250 may be sensed with a variety of mechanisms such as optical sensors, electromechanical sensors, and the like.
  • One exemplary optical sensor 264 is illustrated in Fig. 23 .
  • the sensor 264 comprises a light source 265 and a photodetector 267.
  • light from the light source 265 directly impinges on the photodetector 267 to produce a record of the lid's removal.
  • the sensor 266 comprises a pair of electrically conductive leads 268 that are biased together to close an electrical circuit. Conveniently, the leads 268 also form a track for the lid 256. When the lid 256 is inserted between the leads 268, the leads 268 are separated from each other and the circuit is broken. To access the receptacles 250, the lid 256 is slid from the leads 268 to close the circuit. The closing of the circuit will then be detected and used to send a signal to the processor 210 indicating access to the receptacle 250.
  • the sensor 270 is constructed in a manner similar to the sensor 266 except that the sensor 270 is vertically oriented. With this configuration, each of the lids 256 will be provided with a pair vertical walls 272, with one of the walls 272 being received within the sensor 270 to open the electrical circuit. When the lid 256 is slid from the receptacle 250, the wall 272 is removed from the sensor 270 to close the circuit so that a signal may be detected.
  • Fig. 27 removal of the cover 252 to expose the receptacles 250 during restocking will be described.
  • the dispensing unit 200 is placed in restocking mode and the drawer 248 is accessed as previously described.
  • the technician then inserts a key into the lock 258 to unlock the cover 252.
  • the cover 252 is then raised and is held open by an arm 274.
  • all of the receptacles 250 are available for access so that the technician can rapidly fill each of the receptacles 250. Recordation of the transfer may be accomplished by pressing the touch-sensitive receptacle button 254 the number of times for the number of items replaced into each row of receptacles 250.
  • the lid 252 is closed and locked, and the drawer 248 is then closed.
  • the processor may be provided with a list of items that are to be restocked. Once such items have been restocked, the restock person may touch the button 254 once to confirm that restocking has occurred.
  • the drawer 276 may be incorporated into the dispensing unit 200 in the pharmaceutical zone 204 in a manner similar to drawers 212 or 248 as previously described.
  • the drawer 276 includes a plurality of receptacles 278 that are each covered by a lid 280. As best shown in Fig. 29 , each lid 280 is pivotally attached over its associated receptacle 278.
  • the receptacles 278 are sized to receive a single pharmaceutical item such as a drug 282 (see Fig. 29 ).
  • a release button 284 that is adjacent each receptacle 278 is depressed as shown in Fig. 29 .
  • the lid 280 is spring loaded so that upon depression of the release button 284, the lid 280 is unlatched and swings open. Depression of the release button 284 also produces a record of access to the receptacle 278.
  • each lid 280 associated with each lid 280 is a sensor 286 which is activated by an arm 288 on the lid 280 when the button 284 is depressed.
  • Arm 288 is also configured to engage a latch 290 on the release button 284 when the lid 280 is in a closed position.
  • the latch 290 holds the lid 280 securely over the receptacle 278 to prevent access to the receptacle 278 until the release button 284 is depressed.
  • the latch 290 buckles inward about a hinge 292 and disengages the latch 290 from the arm 288.
  • the arm 288 is forced downward toward the sensor 286.
  • the tolerance between the arm 288 and the sensor 286 is such that the arm 288 contacts the sensor 286 before the arm 288 is released from the latch 290.
  • the sensor is able to detect when the button 284 is depressed and can send a signal to the processor 210 to indicate access to the receptacle 278.
  • a touch-sensitive button similar to the button 254 on the drawer 248 can be provided for recording removal of the drug 282 from the receptacle 278 after the lid 280 has been opened. A record of removal can then be compared with the access record to determine any discrepancies as previously described.
  • the lids 280 may be provided with locks (not shown) which are in communication with the processor 210.
  • item identification information will be required to be entered into the processor 210 before a corresponding lid will be unlocked. In this way, access to certain receptacles 278 can be limited by the processor 210 to only receptacles having items from the pre-entered item identification information.
  • the drawer 294 may be included in the dispensing unit 200 in the pharmaceutical zone 204 in a manner similar to the drawers 248 and 276 as previously described.
  • the drawer 294 is provided with a plurality of enclosures 296 that are each covered by a lid 298. For convenience of discussion, the lid on the exposed enclosure 296 is shown removed.
  • Within each enclosure 296 are three rollers 300, 302, and 304.
  • roller 302 is provided with two elongate slots 306 and 308, and roller 304 is provided with two elongate slots 310 and 312.
  • roller 300 Connected to the roller 300 is a motor (not shown) for rotating the roller 300.
  • the roller 302 is in contact with the roller 300 so that upon rotation of the roller 300, the roller 302 will be rotated in the opposite direction.
  • the roller 304 is in contact with the roller 302 and will rotate in the direction of roller 300 when the roller 300 is rotated.
  • the slots 306, 308, 310 and 312 are positioned so that upon each quarter turn of the roller 300 one of the slots will be exposed in the enclosure 296, as shown by the exposed slot 310 in Fig. 32 .
  • a sensor (not shown) is provided for detecting when the lid 298 is opened.
  • the sensor is in communication with the processor 210 so that when the lid 298 is opened a signal is sent from the processor 210 to the motor to rotate the roller 300 a quarter turn to expose a slot having an item.
  • Each of the slots 306, 308, 310, and 312 are provided with a single pharmaceutical item so that upon each access to the enclosure 296 a single item will be available for removal.
  • a touch-sensitive button 314 is provided for each enclosure 296 so that a record of removal can be produced each time an item is removed as previously described.
  • the sensor associated with each lid 298 will preferably be employed to send a signal to the processor 210 to produce a record of access to the enclosure 296 as previously described.
  • item identification information may be required to be entered into the processor before access will be given to a drawer or a receptacle.
  • a record of item removal may be produced, thereby eliminating the need to push to button 314.
  • access to certain receptacles can be controlled (e.g. by not rotating the roller 300) and will not be allowed unless item identification information has previously been entered into the processor.
  • Fig. 33 illustrates the position of the rollers as shown in Fig. 32 .
  • the roller 300 turns a quarter turn in a counter-clockwise direction, causing the roller 302 to rotate a quarter turn in a clockwise direction.
  • the roller 304 is rotated a quarter turn in the counter-clockwise direction to place the slot 310 in a upward position where it is exposed in the enclosure 296.
  • Fig. 33 illustrates the position of the rollers as shown in Fig. 32 .
  • the roller 300 rotates another quarter turn in a counter-clockwise direction to place the slot 306 in an upward position where it is exposed in the enclosure 296.
  • the position of the slots 306, 308, 310, and 312 when the lid 298 is opened the third time is shown in Fig. 35 .
  • the roller 300 is rotated a quarter turn in the counter-clockwise direction, the slot 312 is placed in the upward position so that its item may be removed.
  • the roller 300 turns a quarter turn in the counter-clockwise direction to place the slot 308 in the upward position, as shown in Fig. 36 .
  • enclosure 296 is shown with three rollers and four slots, other combinations of rollers and slots can be provided so that each enclosure 296 can hold more or less than four items.
  • the items in the pharmaceutical zone 204 may need to be checked to determine if the items have expired or have been recalled.
  • an expiration/recall button 316 on the processor 210 may be selected so that access to the drawers 212 can be obtained.
  • the nurse selects the touch-sensitive drawer button 222 to open the selected drawer 212.
  • the processor 210 prompts the technician to enter the quantity of items removed. A record of removal is then produced so that an accurate inventory can be maintained in the pharmaceutical zone 204.
  • item name aliases may be entered into the processor 210 so that a nurse may more easily be able to identify an item by either its brand name or its generic name.
  • the dispensing unit 200 may be connected to a local area network to place the processor 210 in communication with a central processor, as previously described, or with various other databases or processors.
  • the processor 210 may be placed in communication with a variety of pharmaceutical databases, such as those having drug delivery information, dosage information, drug warning information, and the like.
  • the processor 210 can alternatively be configured to only permit access to such information based on the nurse identification information that is initially entered into the processor 210. In this way, the processor 210 can regulate access to certain databases and information included on the local area network.
  • Placing the dispensing unit 200 on the local area network is further advantageous in that drug dispensing information can easily be downloaded.
  • a variety of dispensing units that are similar to the dispensing unit 200 (and are in the same or in different hospitals) will be on the same network. In this way, drug consumption reports from a variety of hospitals can rapidly be generated to determine the types and quantities of drugs being dispensed.

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Claims (12)

  1. Procédé pour distribuer des produits pharmaceutiques et médicaux à partir d'une unité de distribution (28) comprenant une armoire (34) ayant un processeur (22) et une pluralité de tiroirs rétractables (32), au moins quelques-uns des tiroirs (32) ayant une pluralité de réceptacles (36) pour retenir les produits, et au moins quelques-uns des tiroirs (32) ayant des couvercles aptes à être verrouillés (134) pour les réceptacles (36) dans le tiroir (32), le procédé comprenant :
    entrer des informations d'identification d'utilisateur dans le processeur (22) pour identifier un utilisateur qui demande l'accès aux produits pharmaceutiques ou médicaux se trouvant dans l'unité de distribution (28) ;
    entrer des informations d'identification de produits pharmaceutiques ou médicaux et la quantité de chaque produit à retirer dans le processeur (22), les informations d'identification de produits pharmaceutiques ou médicaux identifiant des produits pharmaceutiques ou médicaux spécifiques que l'utilisateur cherche à retirer de l'unité de distribution (28) ;
    comparer les informations d'identification de l'utilisateur avec une liste d'accès dans laquelle se trouvent les informations se rapportant aux produits pharmaceutiques ou médicaux requis auxquels l'utilisateur aura le droit d'accéder suite à l'information d'identification de l'utilisateur entrée préalablement pour déterminer un ou plusieurs des tiroirs (32) auxquels l'utilisateur peut accéder ;
    déverrouiller un des tiroirs (32 ayant un des produits pharmaceutiques ou médicaux demandés si la liste d'accès indique que l'utilisateur peut avoir l'accès au produit pharmaceutique ou médical demandé dans ce tiroir (32) ;
    rétracter le tiroir déverrouillé (32) ;
    caractérisé en actionnant un indicateur visuel de réceptacle (130) adjacent à un des réceptacles (36) dans le tiroir rétracté (32) ayant le produit pharmaceutique ou médical requis ;
    le processeur déverrouillant le couvercle (134) adjacent à l'indicateur visuel actionné (130) si le tiroir rétracté (32) comprend au moins quelques couvercles aptes à être verrouillés (134) pour permettre l'accès au réceptacle (36) adjacent à l'indicateur visuel actionné (130) tout en empêchant l'accès aux autres réceptacles (36) ayant des couvercles aptes à être verrouillés (134) ; et
    retirer le produit pharmaceutique ou médical requis du réceptacle (36) adjacent à l'indicateur visuel actionné (130), où l'étape de retrait comprend le retrait au moins partiel du couvercle (134) couvrant le réceptacle (36) et la détection du retrait du couvercle (134), et où la détection du retrait du couvercle (134) est utilisée pour confirmer l'accès au réceptacle (36) et pour reconnaître le retrait de la quantité initialement entrée.
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre l'entrée des informations d'identification du patient dans l'unité de distribution (28) d'une liste stockée dans l'unité de distribution (28).
  3. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre le déclenchement d'une alarme si quelqu'un cherche à accéder à un des réceptacles (36) pour lequel un indicateur visuel de réceptacle adjacent (130) n'est pas actionné.
  4. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre le déclenchement d'une alarme si le couvercle (134) n'est pas remis en place à la suite du retrait du produit.
  5. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chaque réceptacle (36) retient seulement un article unique.
  6. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre l'actionnement d'un indicateur visuel de tiroir (122) sur le tiroir déverrouillé (32), et l'actionnement d'un deuxième indicateur visuel de réceptacle (130) adjacent à un autre réceptacle (36) dans le tiroir rétracté (32) ayant un autre produit à partir des informations d'identification de produit entrées et le retrait d'un article de ce réceptacle (36).
  7. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre la fermeture et le verrouillage du tiroir (32) si des indicateurs visuels de réceptacle (130) ne sont pas actionnés, le déverrouillage d'un deuxième des tiroirs (32) ayant au moins un article selon des informations d'identification d'article entrées si l'utilisateur peut avoir accès à ce tiroir (32), et le retrait du tiroir déverrouillé (32).
  8. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel une pluralité de réceptacles (36) contiennent chacun de multiples produits du même type, et comprenant en outre l'entrée d'une quantité de plus d'un du même type de produit dans l'unité de distribution (28), et l'actionnement d'un indicateur visuel (130) adjacent à un deuxième réceptacle (36) si un premier des réceptacles (36) ayant le produit ne contient pas une quantité suffisante pour remplir la quantité requise, et où chaque réceptacle (36) est couvert par un couvercle (134) et possède un bouton de produit correspondant (128), et où l'indicateur visuel (130) adjacent au deuxième réceptacle (36) est actionné après que le couvercle (134) pour le premier réceptacle (36) a été relevé et le bouton de produit correspondant (128) a été sélectionné.
  9. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre le restockage périodique de réceptacles vides (36) en permettant l'accès à seulement un réceptacle (36) à un moment où les réceptacles (36) sont remplis à nouveau ou en permettant un accès simultané à tous les réceptacles (36) d'un tiroir (32) lors du remplissage des réceptacles (36).
  10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, comprenant en outre l'entrée d'une liste de produits et des quantités associées qui doivent être ré-stockées dans l'unité de distribution (28) avant le restockage en transférant électroniquement la liste de produits et de quantités d'un processeur à distance, comprenant en outre l'appui sur un bouton réagissant au toucher (128) adjacent à un des réceptacles (36) à ré-stocker après que le réceptacle (36) a été ré-stocké pour confirmer l'achèvement du restockage et que la quantité initialement entrée a été actuellement ré-stockée, et comprenant en outre l'entrée se rapportant aux informations de quantité mises à jour entrées dans l'unité de distribution (28) si la quantité à ré-stocker est différente de la quantité initialement entrée.
  11. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre la requête de l'information d'identification de témoin à entrer dans l'unité de distribution (28) avant d'autoriser l'accès à des tiroirs sélectionnés parmi les tiroirs (32).
  12. Unité de distribution (28) pour la distribution de produits pharmaceutiques, comprenant :
    une enceinte (34) ayant un intérieur ;
    un processeur (22) pour recevoir les informations d'identification de l'utilisateur et les informations d'identification de l'article ;
    une pluralité de tiroirs (32), où au moins quelques-uns des tiroirs ont une pluralité de réceptacles (36) pour contenir les produits ;
    un moyen de blocage de tiroir associé à chaque tiroir (32) pour empêcher l'accès audit tiroir (32), où le processeur (22) est en communication avec le moyen de blocage de tiroir et est configuré pour envoyer un signal pour déverrouiller le moyen de blocage de tiroir sur la base des informations d'identification de l'utilisateur et du produit ; et
    un produit pharmaceutique dans chaque tiroir ;
    caractérisée en ce que l'unité de distribution (28) comprend en outre :
    un indicateur visuel (130) à proximité étroite et correspondant à chacun des réceptacles (36) pour diriger un utilisateur vers des réceptacles (36) ayant des produits sélectionnés à partir de l'information d'identification ;
    un couvercle apte à être verrouillé (134) associé à chaque réceptacle (36) pour empêcher l'accès aux réceptacles (36), où le processeur (22) est en communication avec les couvercles (134) aptes à être verrouillés et est configuré pour envoyer un signal pour déverrouiller les couvercles aptes à être déverrouillés (134) sur la base des informations d'identification de l'utilisateur et de l'article ; et
    un mécanisme de détection pour détecter lorsque le couvercle verrouillable a été au moins partiellement retiré, le mécanisme de détection étant configuré pour envoyer un signal au processeur pour indiquer lorsque le couvercle verrouillable a été retiré, où le processeur est configuré pour utiliser le signal du capteur pour reconnaître le retrait d'un article sélectionné.
EP95936060.3A 1995-10-10 1995-10-10 Dispositif et procede de distribution de produits pharmaceutiques Expired - Lifetime EP0954800B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB1995/001025 WO1997014104A1 (fr) 1995-10-10 1995-10-10 Dispositif et procede de distribution de produits pharmaceutiques
CA002239546A CA2239546C (fr) 1995-10-10 1995-10-10 Dispositif et procede de distribution de produits pharmaceutiques

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0954800A1 EP0954800A1 (fr) 1999-11-10
EP0954800A4 EP0954800A4 (fr) 2005-04-20
EP0954800B1 true EP0954800B1 (fr) 2013-07-10

Family

ID=25680276

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95936060.3A Expired - Lifetime EP0954800B1 (fr) 1995-10-10 1995-10-10 Dispositif et procede de distribution de produits pharmaceutiques

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0954800B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2239546C (fr)
WO (1) WO1997014104A1 (fr)

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AT407035B (de) * 1999-04-28 2000-11-27 Schachermayer Grosshandelsgese Lager zum bereitstellen von artikeln unterschiedlicher art
JP4462689B2 (ja) * 2000-01-18 2010-05-12 株式会社トーショー 薬品収納装置
US7072855B1 (en) 2000-07-24 2006-07-04 Omnicell, Inc. Systems and methods for purchasing, invoicing and distributing items
AUPR247201A0 (en) * 2001-01-10 2001-02-01 Fowler, Bruce A dispensing device
JP2002291846A (ja) * 2001-03-29 2002-10-08 Sakase Chemical Industry Co Ltd 薬品管理庫
JP2002315813A (ja) * 2001-04-19 2002-10-29 Teruya:Kk 薬剤管理システム
WO2006027951A1 (fr) 2004-09-03 2006-03-16 Tosho Inc. Stockage de materiels medicaux et appareil de gestion et systeme de gestion de produits medicaux
GB0609101D0 (en) * 2006-05-08 2006-06-21 Inventor E Ltd Stock monitoring
CA2963842A1 (fr) * 2013-10-07 2015-04-16 Inventorytech Limited Recipient pour fournitures medicales et systemes associes
US20190214123A1 (en) * 2016-09-05 2019-07-11 Newicon Oy A method and a system for storing drugs in distribution packages, and a storage for drug distribution packages
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2239546C (fr) 2007-09-25
CA2239546A1 (fr) 1997-04-17
WO1997014104A1 (fr) 1997-04-17
EP0954800A1 (fr) 1999-11-10
EP0954800A4 (fr) 2005-04-20

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