Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
  • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
  • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
  • A61J1/18—Arrangements for indicating condition of container contents, e.g. sterile condition
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
  • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
  • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
  • A61J1/1437—Locking means requiring key or combination to open the container
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
  • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
  • A61J7/0076—Medicament distribution means
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/38—Payment protocols; Details thereof
  • G06Q20/40—Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
  • G06Q20/401—Transaction verification
  • G06Q20/4015—Transaction verification using location information
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
  • G07F11/005—Special arrangements for insuring that only one single article may be dispensed at a time
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
  • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
  • G07F11/44—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored in bulk
• • 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
  • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
  • G07F9/001—Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
  • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
  • G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
  • G16H20/10—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
  • G16H20/13—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients delivered from dispensers
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
  • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
  • A61J1/03—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
  • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
  • A61J1/05—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for collecting, storing or administering blood, plasma or medical fluids ; Infusion or perfusion containers
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
  • A61J2200/00—General characteristics or adaptations
  • A61J2200/30—Compliance analysis for taking medication
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
  • A61J2200/00—General characteristics or adaptations
  • A61J2200/70—Device provided with specific sensor or indicating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
  • A61J2200/00—General characteristics or adaptations
  • A61J2200/70—Device provided with specific sensor or indicating means
  • A61J2200/72—Device provided with specific sensor or indicating means for temperature
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
  • A61J2205/00—General identification or selection means
  • A61J2205/60—General identification or selection means using magnetic or electronic identifications, e.g. chips, RFID, electronic tags

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a drug dispensing device to a user. It also relates to a drug dispensing system implementing such a device.
• the field of the invention is the field of packaging devices, transport and dispensing of drugs.
• An object of the present invention is to remedy this drawback. Another object of the invention is to provide a drug dispensing device that is safer and presents less danger to the user, compared to current devices.
• the invention proposes to achieve at least one of the aforementioned goals by means of a device for packaging, transporting and/or dispensing medication comprising:
• a drug reservoir closed, provided to receive at least one drug to be dispensed and comprising a drug dispensing opening provided to be released during a drug dispensation;
• At least one sensor sensitive to at least one physical quantity within said reservoir that can affect the integrity of said at least medication located in said reservoir.
• the invention therefore provides a device comprising a reservoir in which is placed at least one medication which is then delivered to a user.
• the device comprises one or more sensors, each sensitive to one or more physical quantities inside the reservoir and able to affect the integrity of the drug which is in the reservoir.
• the device allows dispensing of drugs that is safer and less risky for the user, compared to current devices.
• the dispensing opening can be closed by any suitable means, such as for example by a stopper, a membrane, a seal, etc. waterproof or not.
• the dispensing opening can be released at the time of the first use of the device according to the invention. [0011] The release of the dispensing opening can be achieved by tearing the membrane, or by uncorking the stopper, which closes it, etc.
• the drug to be dispensed may be in liquid form.
• the reservoir is closed in a liquid-tight, and in particular water-tight, manner, for example by a cap, a membrane or a liquid-tight and in particular water-tight seal.
• the drug to be dispensed may be in gaseous form.
• the reservoir is closed in an airtight manner, for example by a stopper, a membrane or an airtight cover.
• the drug to be dispensed may be in solid form.
• the medicament may be in the form of a powder, in the form of a capsule or a tablet, etc.
• the reservoir can be closed, for example, by a stopper, a membrane or a cap, whether sealed or not.
• At least one sensor can be placed in the tank.
• At least one sensor can be arranged in or on a wall of the tank.
• At least one sensor may not open into the reservoir. Thus, it is not affected by the drug in the reservoir, nor does it alter the drug in the reservoir.
• At least one sensor can open into the reservoir, for example so as to allow a measurement linked to the state of the medicine itself.
• At least one sensor can be arranged on an internal face of the wall and be located, partially or entirely, in the reservoir. Such positioning allows greater sensitivity of the sensor to at least one physical quantity in the tank.
• At least one sensor can be arranged in a housing provided in said tank.
• Such a housing may be provided at any location in the tank, may not be sealed, or may be sealed, for example against liquids or air.
• At least one sensor can be arranged in, or at the level of, an upper part of the reservoir, in a configuration for use of said device during the dispensing of the drug.
• Such positioning makes it possible to minimize the contact between the sensor and the drug in the reservoir. Moreover, such a positioning makes it easier to exchange data with the sensor, when the latter is a communicating sensor.
• At least one sensor can be a sensor which deteriorates when the value of at least one physical quantity exceeds a threshold value.
• the senor no longer operates when the value of the physical quantity exceeds the threshold value, or communicates with a measurable variation in its response.
• the sensor can no longer be read, or communicates no data, or measures no data. This means that at least one of the physical quantities to which said sensor is sensitive has exceeded the threshold value defined for this quantity.
• the threshold value may correspond to a limit beyond which the integrity or the quality of the drug in the reservoir is degraded.
• the sensor may be sensitive to humidity.
• the sensor can be designed to degrade when the humidity level within the tank reaches a threshold value.
• This threshold value may correspond to the maximum value of humidity that the medicine can withstand and beyond which the medicine also degrades. The same reasoning applies for temperature, pressure, shock, etc.
• At least one sensor may comprise an R.FID tag, comprising an electronic chip and an antenna, which can no longer be read, or whose reading is altered, when the value of at least a physical quantity exceeds a threshold value.
• Such a sensor comprises a component which degrades and which prevents the R.FID tag from being read by an external reader.
• This component can be the support material of the antenna so as to alter the communication properties, such as for example a paper or a resin which deteriorates with humidity or temperature.
• the antenna can also be printed with an ink which is altered by such and such a magnitude, for example temperature.
• the R.FID tag can be read. Otherwise, the R.FID tag cannot be read.
• the electronic chip can memorize any type of data, and in particular device identification data. Thus, as long as the device identification data can be read, this means that the drug in the reservoir is not degraded. Otherwise, the drug in the reservoir has been degraded.
• At least one sensor can be a sensor for measuring a value of at least one physical quantity.
• the measurement sensor continues to operate even when the value of the physical quantity reaches or exceeds a threshold value.
• Such a sensor can be arranged to communicate the measured value to a device external to the device.
• such a sensor can be arranged to communicate the measured value to a chip, or a memory, of the device according to the invention for its storage.
• At least one sensor can be sensitive to at least one of the following quantities:
• At least one sensor can be sensitive to a single physical quantity.
• At least one sensor can be sensitive to several physical quantities.
• the device according to the invention may comprise at least one sensor of a state of release or not of the dispensing opening.
• Such a sensor can be any type of sensor, such as for example an optical sensor monitoring the state of the dispensing opening, a resistive sensor arranged at the level of the dispensing opening and which is degraded when said opening is open, etc.
• the device according to the invention may further comprise an electronic chip for storing at least one datum relating to the drug located in said reservoir.
• Such a chip can be coupled to, or be independent of, at least a sensor.
• the electronic chip can be arranged in the reservoir, in particular on a wall of the reservoir, or even in a housing provided in said reservoir.
• the electronic chip can be arranged in the wall, in a sealed manner, in particular against liquids, so that it is not impacted by the contents of the reservoir, in particular when the medicine is liquid.
• the electronic chip can be arranged in, or on, a part other than the tank, when the device according to the invention comprises at least one part other than the tank.
• the electronic chip can be arranged on an electronic card equipping the device according to the invention, a base of the device according to the invention, a mechanical dispensing block, etc., if necessary.
• the electronic chip can be a chip:
• a reader or a reading unit, wired or wirelessly, and in particular at any time, and/or
• the electronic chip can be read and/or written at any time during the life of the device according to the invention.
• the electronic chip can be read and/or written at any time during the life of the device according to the invention.
• At least one of the data located in the chip can be tested, locally or remotely, to decide whether or not to dispense the drug, at a later time.
• the electronic chip can be any type of chip comprising a memory space for storing data therein.
• the electronic chip can be a read only memory, a flash memory, a mass memory, an SSD, or any other type of memory (RAM, holographic memory, 3D XPoint, etc.).
• the electronic chip can include or be coupled to a wired communication interface, such as a serial or parallel communication port, and/or a wireless communication interface such as an antenna.
• a wired communication interface such as a serial or parallel communication port
• a wireless communication interface such as an antenna
• the electronic chip can be an RFID chip, or a radio tag, comprising an electronic chip coupled to an antenna.
• the at least one datum recorded in the electronic chip can be of any type.
• At least one piece of data recorded in the electronic chip may relate to the medicine in the reservoir, and in particular at least one piece of data relating to the nature and composition of the medicine.
• At least one datum recorded in the electronic chip may relate to the device according to the invention, and in particular to its manufacture and/or to its transport and/or to its identification.
• the at least one datum recorded in the electronic chip may relate to the user, and in particular to his identification.
• At least one datum recorded in the electronic chip may relate to a dosage.
• At least one piece of data recorded in the electronic chip may relate to an identity of an actor, or to an authentication, of at least one actor involved in the preparation chain and/or delivery of said drug or device.
• the at least one piece of data recorded in the chip may comprise any combination of at least one of the following data:
• At least one datum recorded in the chip may comprise any combination of at least one of the following data:
• At least one piece of data recorded in the chip may comprise any combination of at least one of the following pieces of data relating to the use of said medicinal product:
• At least one of the data described above as being stored in the chip can alternatively be stored in a remote server, in particular in association with an identifier of the device.
• At least one of these data items can be tested, locally or remotely, before the drug is dispensed, to authorize said dispensation or not.
• At least one datum can be written, in the chip or in the server, at any time.
• At least one piece of data can be written into the chip when the tank is filled.
• This at least one piece of data may relate to the nature of the drug, the quantity of the drug, the manufacturer of the drug, the actor filling the drug, the time of filling the drug, a date or a period of expiry medicine, a number or a digital authentication certificate, etc.
• at least one piece of data can be written into the chip during the routing of the device between its place of filling and its place of use. This at least one datum may relate to at least one path (place and/or date) traveled by the device according to the invention, to a carrier of said device, to a distributor of said device, etc.
• At least one piece of data can be written into the chip during the use of the drug, such as for example a quantity of drug delivered during a drug dispensing step, a timestamp data of a dispensing step, an identifier of the user to whom the medicine was dispensed during a dispensing step, etc.
• the device according to the invention may further comprise at least one biometric reader for reading at least one biometric datum of a user, such as for example a fingerprint reader, at least one retina print, etc.
• at least one biometric reader for reading at least one biometric datum of a user, such as for example a fingerprint reader, at least one retina print, etc.
• biometric data can be used to verify the identity of the user before the drug is dispensed.
• the at least one biometric reader can be arranged on the tank.
• the at least one biometric reader can be arranged in, or on, a part of said device other than the reservoir, when the device comprises other parts than the reservoir.
• the at least biometric reader can be arranged in, or on, an electronic card of said device, when the device is provided with such an electronic card.
• the at least one biometric reader can be arranged in, or on, a base of said dispensing device, when said device comprises such a base.
• the device according to the invention may comprise at least one communication module with a remote site, through a wired connection or not, with a view to sending and/or receiving data.
• Such a communication module can, for example, send data relating to the identity of the device according to the invention to the remote site in order to obtain data relating to the dispensing of the drug located in the reservoir. This data may include one or more conditions to be verified in order to dispense the drug, as well as the dosage of the drug.
• the at least one communication module can be arranged on, or in, the tank.
• the at least one communication module can be arranged in, or on, a part of said device other than the reservoir, when the device comprises other parts than the reservoir.
• the at least one communication module can be arranged in, or on, an electronic card of said device, when the device is provided with such an electronic card.
• the at least one communication module can be arranged in, or on, a base of said dispensing device when the device is provided with such a base.
• Such a communication module can be a wireless communication module of the NFC, WiFi, Bluetooth®, 3G, 4G, 5G type, or a wired communication module, for example of the Ethernet type.
• the communication module may include a communication module through a telephone network, such as for example a SIM card, physical or emulated.
• the device according to the invention may further comprise a module for measuring a quantity of medicine leaving the reservoir through the dispensing opening.
• Such a module makes it possible to ensure that the quantity of drug dispensed complies with a predetermined dosage.
• Such a module can include any type of sensor for measuring the quantity of medicine, such as a weighing means, a capsule or tablet counting means, a means for measuring the volume of a medicine, etc.
• the device according to the invention may further comprise a closure means, in particular arranged downstream of the dispensing opening, movable between a first position allowing the passage of medication through the dispensing opening and a second position preventing passage of medication through the dispensing opening.
• a closure means in particular arranged downstream of the dispensing opening, movable between a first position allowing the passage of medication through the dispensing opening and a second position preventing passage of medication through the dispensing opening.
• Such shutter means can be controllable, for example by a control unit, of said device, so that when an anomaly is detected, said shutter means is positioned in its second position.
• An anomaly can be linked to, or be deduced from, any of the data or parameters described above.
• Such closure means may include a controllable actuator provided to move a member forming a physical obstacle to the passage of the drug, in the second position.
• the member forming a physical obstacle can be a tab, a cover, a lid, or any other object that opposes the passage of the medicament.
• the actuator can be a motor, or a jack, or even a magnetic actuator, or any other actuator that can be controlled by an electrical signal, or a wave.
• the closure means may comprise a first mechanism, movable between an open position allowing the passage of medication through the dispensing opening and a closed position preventing the passage of medication through the dispensing opening, and intended to be operated by the user.
• Such closure means can be actuated manually by the user, for example by pressing the device.
• the first shutter mechanism can be in the closed position when it is at rest, that is to say when no force is applied to it. Thus, at rest no medication can be delivered.
• the first mechanism can pass into the open position, thus allowing the passage of a medication.
• the first mechanism can preferably be part of said cartridge.
• the first mechanism may be part of said base.
• the first mechanism may comprise at least one shutter, and in particular a double shutter forming a jaw.
• said obturator or said jaw
• the shutter deviates and allows the passage of drug(s).
• the first mechanism can open and close in a plane parallel to the direction of drug passage.
• the closure means may comprise a second mechanism, movable between an open position allowing the passage of medication and a closed position preventing the passage of medication, and intended to be actuated automatically.
• the management unit can control the second mechanism by means of an actuator, such as a motor or a jack, and possibly by means of a motion transmission element, such as a motor shaft, a cam, belt, etc.
• an actuator such as a motor or a jack
• a motion transmission element such as a motor shaft, a cam, belt, etc.
• the second mechanism can preferably be part of said cartridge.
• the second mechanism can be part of the base.
• the control unit can be part of the cartridge, or preferably of the base.
• the actuator element can be part of the cartridge, or preferably of the base.
• the second shutter mechanism can be in the closed position when it is at rest, that is to say when no force is applied to it. Thus, at rest no medication can be delivered.
• the second mechanism When the second mechanism is actuated, for example by the management unit, it can pass into the open position, thus allowing the passage of a medication.
• the second mechanism may comprise at least one shutter, and in particular a double shutter forming a jaw. In the rest state, said at least one obturator (or said jaw) is closed and opposes the passage of medication. When the first mechanism is actuated, said at least one obturator (or said jaw) moves apart and allows the drug(s) to pass.
• the second mechanism can open and close in a plane perpendicular to the direction of passage of the medication.
• said device may comprise a means for the unitary delivery of said drugs, that is to say a means ensuring the delivery of a single capsule (or a single tablet) at a time.
• the means for the unit delivery of drugs can be moved between:
• Such a means may comprise a shutter, and in particular a double shutter forming a jaw, movable between an open position and a closed position, arranged upstream of the dispensing opening, for example on a duct connecting the reservoir to said dispensing opening.
• the shutter(s) in the rest state, can be in the open position and pass into the closed position under the action of the user, for example by pressing the device.
• the first mechanism and the unitary delivery means can be coupled so that they can be operated simultaneously, in particular by the user.
• the unitary delivery means can be integrated with/into the first mechanism.
• the at least one shutter of the first mechanism and the at least one shutter of the unitary delivery means can be arranged on the same moving part, such as a rotary arm.
• a rotary arm By actuating said arm, it is possible to actuate both the first mechanism and the unitary delivery means.
• the tank can be formed by a lid assembled with the rest of said device.
• the lid can be assembled with the rest of the device in an upper part of said device, and/or in a part of the device opposite the dispensing opening.
• the reservoir is designed and provided to receive drugs in bulk.
• the capsules or tablets are placed in the bulk reservoir.
• the cover can be assembled with the rest of the device by clipping, by gluing, by screwing, etc.
• the reservoir may comprise an opening sensor of said reservoir.
• the device according to the invention may further comprise a management unit configured to authorize or not the dispensing of the drug to the user.
• the at least one data item tested can be any of the data items listed above.
• At least one reference datum can be stored beforehand in the management unit.
• At least one reference datum, respectively at least one threshold value can be loaded from a remote site. Loading can be done before the first drug dispensation, or before each drug dispensation.
• the management unit can be a processor or a computer, or a computer chip, possibly loaded with a computer program, configured to carry out the operations described above.
• the device according to the invention may be in the form of a cartridge forming said drug reservoir, and intended to be used in a drug dispensing device.
• Such a device may comprise at least one slot provided to receive, in particular interchangeably, a device according to the invention.
• such a device can be in the form of a base, or a plinth, provided to receive, in particular interchangeably, a device according to the invention.
• the release of the dispensing opening of the device according to the invention can advantageously be carried out when the device according to the invention is coupled, or engaged, with the dispensing apparatus.
• such coupling may tear a seal covering the dispensing opening.
• the device according to the invention may be in the form of a drug dispensing device comprising:
• the base can comprise any combination of at least one of the following elements:
• the device is in the form of a device comprising a reservoir and a base
• said reservoir can be fixed, or integrated, to the base in a non-interchangeable manner.
• the reservoir is an integral part of the dispensing apparatus and cannot be separated from the base.
• the electronic chip can be arranged at the level of the tank, or at the level of the base.
• the reservoir can alternatively be coupled to the base in a removable manner so that said base can receive, interchangeably, one tank among several tanks.
• the reservoir can be defined in, or take the form of, a removable cartridge as stated above.
• the chip is preferably placed in, or on, the reservoir.
• the base is reusable with different reservoirs comprising identical or different drugs.
• a drug dispensing system comprising:
• At least one drug dispensing device in communication with said central server.
• At least one dispensing device can be in communication with the remote server through wired or wireless communication.
• At least one dispensing device can be in communication with the remote server through a communication network, such as the Internet network.
• At least one communication device can load, from or to the remote server, at least one datum relating to the dispensing of a medicine, such as at least one condition/datum to be tested with a view to dispensing of a drug or data relating to the applicable dosage.
• a medicine such as at least one condition/datum to be tested with a view to dispensing of a drug or data relating to the applicable dosage.
• FIGURES 1-2 are schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of a drug dispensing device according to the invention, in particular when said device is in the form of a cartridge adaptable to a base;
• FIGURES 3-4 are schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of a drug dispensing device according to the invention, in particular when said device is in the form of a drug dispensing apparatus;
• FIGURE 5 is a representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention.
• FIGURES 6a to 6e are schematic representations of another non-limiting embodiment of a device according to the invention.
• FIGURE 7 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting embodiment of a base with which a device according to the invention can be used, when it is in the form of a cartridge.
• variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described below isolated from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the art prior.
• This selection includes at least one preferably functional feature without structural details, or with only part of the structural details if it is this part which is only sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.
• FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a drug dispensing device, in a side view and in a cross-sectional view.
• the device 100 of FIGURE 1 is in the form of a cartridge intended to adapt and be coupled to a device, or a base, for dispensing medication, and in particular in a removable manner and in particular in interchangeably with other similar or identical devices.
• the device 100 comprises a reservoir 102 for receiving a gaseous, liquid or solid drug (in the form of a powder or capsules).
• the reservoir 102 is closed, in particular in a watertight manner, and in particular in an airtight manner.
• the device 100 is formed by two parts 104i and 1042 assembled together, for example by welding, screwing or gluing, after filling said reservoir 102 with a drug (not shown).
• the reservoir 102 is connected to a dispensing opening 106 allowing the medicine in the reservoir 102 to come out of the reservoir 102.
• the medicine comes out of the reservoir by gravity effect because, in the use configuration, the dispensing opening 106 is located downwards.
• the dispensing opening 106 is closed and protected by a cover 108, in particular in a watertight manner and in particular in an airtight manner.
• This cover 108 makes it possible to protect the drug located in the reservoir 102 during transport and storage of the device 100.
• the cover 108 is intended to be perforated during the first use of the device 100, for example by coupling the device with a drug dispensing device or pedestal.
• the device 100 comprises a sensor 110, sensitive to at least one physical quantity, and making it possible to determine whether or not the drug located in the reservoir has been degraded.
• the senor 110 is arranged inside the tank 102.
• the sensor 110 is arranged on an internal face of a bottom wall of the tank opposite the opening of dispensation 108.
• the sensor 110 is glued to the wall of the reservoir 102.
• the sensor 110 is covered with a watertight and/or airtight coating 112 to protect said electronic chip 110, in particular with respect to the drug in the reservoir, and vice versa.
• the sensor 110 can be a conventional sensor for measuring the value of one or more physical quantities and communicating the measured values to an external device, or to a memory (not shown) or an electronic chip (not shown) of the device 100.
• the sensor 110 can be a sensor which degrades when the value of at least one physical quantity to which it is sensitive reaches a maximum threshold value and/or a minimum threshold value.
• the senor 110 is a passive RFID tag comprising an electronic chip and a communication antenna, and which is designed to be degraded when the value of at least one physical quantity to which it is sensitive reaches a maximum threshold value and/or a minimum threshold value.
• the electronic chip can memorize an identification datum of the device 100.
• said tag can be read by a reader. Otherwise, the R.FID tag cannot be read by a reader: the drug in the reservoir is potentially degraded and must not be dispensed to a user.
• the sensor 110 can be sensitive to one or more of the following quantities: temperature, hygrometry, luminosity, radiation, pressure, shock, vibration, etc. exerted on said tank.
• the device 100 can comprise at least one other sensor, namely a sensor 114, to measure the value of at least one physical quantity. At least one value measured by the at least one sensor 114 can be communicated to a device external to the device 100, or to an electronic chip or a memory of said device, for storage.
• a device external to the device 100 or to an electronic chip or a memory of said device, for storage.
• Such an electronic chip (or such a memory) can be the R.FID tag 110, or else an electronic chip (or a memory) other than the R.FID tag.
• the senor 114 is arranged on an internal face of the tank 102.
• the device 100 can comprise several sensors 114, each sensitive to one or more physical quantities.
• the device 100 can comprise any combination of at least one of the following sensors:
• At least one position sensor such as a GPS sensor, for measuring at least one location datum of said device
• At least one sensor of a physical parameter relating to said tank such as a temperature sensor within the tank, a hygrometry sensor within the tank, a sensor of light penetrating into the tank, at least one sensor of radiation propagating in said tank, at least one pressure sensor within the pressure reservoir, at least one shock sensor exerted on said reservoir such as an accelerometer, at least one vibration sensor of said reservoir, and more generally a sensor for measuring any physical parameter likely to alter the drug located in the reservoir 102;
• At least one sensor monitoring the state of release or not of the dispensing opening, that is to say the state of the cover 108.
• FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of another drug dispensing device, in a side view and in two cross-sectional views.
• the device 200 of FIGURE 2 is in the form of a cartridge intended to adapt and be coupled to a device, or a base, for dispensing medication, and in particular in a removable manner and in particular in interchangeably with at least one other identical or similar drug delivery device.
• Device 200 of FIGURE 2 includes all of the elements of device 100 of FIGURE 1, except for the differences noted below.
• the reservoir 102 is made in one piece, for example by molding or by machining.
• reservoir 102 can be filled through dispensing opening 106.
• dispensing opening 106 can be closed by cap 108.
• sensor 110 is arranged on an internal face of a side wall of reservoir 102. This embodiment can in particular be used when the drug does not is not in a liquid form.
• device 200 does not include sensor 114.
• FIGURE 3 is a schematic representation of another non-limiting embodiment of a drug dispensing device according to the invention, in particular when said device is in the form of a drug dispensing device .
• the device 300 shown in FIGURE 3 comprises a cartridge 302 comprising a reservoir 102, an electronic chip 110 disposed in the reservoir 102 and an opening 106 for dispensing medication from said reservoir, in particular under the effect of gravity.
• the cartridge 302 can be any one of the devices 100 or 200 of FIGURES 1 and 2. In the example of FIGURE 3, the cartridge 302 corresponds to the device 100 of FIGURE 1 and therefore comprises all the elements of this device.
• the cartridge 302 is coupled to a base 304, in particular in a removable manner so that the base 304 can receive interchangeably, and only one at a time, several identical cartridges or similar to the 302 cartridge.
• the perforation of the cap, or of the membrane, protecting the dispensing opening 106 can be carried out, in particular automatically or simultaneously, when the cartridge 302 is inserted into the base 304.
• the base 304 includes an electrical power supply (not shown), wired or by battery, of the various optional components of the device 300 which will now be described.
• the device according to the invention comprises at least one sensor, each sensor being sensitive to at least one physical quantity within said reservoir that can affect the integrity of the drug located in said reservoir, such as for example the sensors 110 and 114, placed in the tank 102.
• the device 300 comprises the sensor 110 and the sensor 114, each placed in the tank.
• device 300 may include only one of sensors 110 and 114
• the device 300 can comprise, in addition to the sensors 110 and 114, one or more sensors 306, arranged at the level of the base 304, to measure the value of at least one parameter relating to the drug, and/or to said cartridge, and/or to the base.
• the measured value can be stored locally in a memory of said device, or remotely, for example at the level of a remote server.
• a single sensor 306 is shown arranged in the base 304.
• the or each sensor 306 can be any of the following sensors:
• At least one position sensor such as a GPS sensor, to measure at least one location datum of the device 300;
• a temperature sensor such as a temperature sensor, a hygrometry sensor, a light sensor, a radiation sensor, a pressure sensor, a shock sensor, a vibration sensor, etc.
• the device 300 can comprise a biometric data reader, such as a fingerprint reader 308, for the identification of the user.
• a biometric data reader such as a fingerprint reader 308 for the identification of the user.
• the drug or a diversion of the drug for a use other than the taking of the drug by the recipient patient (resale, drug, suicide, self-medication, etc.).
• the identity of the user, authorized for the final dispensation of the prescribed drug(s) can be determined by comparing the measured biometric data to a reference biometric data previously measured and stored either locally or remotely. In the latter case, the reference biometric data can be loaded from the remote site.
• the at least one biometric reader can be arranged on tank 302.
• biometric reader 308 can be arranged in, or on, base 304.
• the device 300 can comprise a communication module 310, wired or wireless, for example through an Internet-type network, with a remote server (not shown in FIGURE 3).
• a communication module makes it possible to send and/or receive data relating to the medicine, and/or data relating to the cartridge 302, and/or data relating to the device 300, and/or data relating to the user, and/or data relating to the dosage.
• the communication module 310 can for example transmit data relating to the identity of the device 300, or of a user of said device, to the remote site in order to obtain data relating to the dispensing of the drug located in the tank.
• This data may include one or more conditions to be verified in order to dispense the drug, drug dosage data, etc.
• the communication module 310 can be arranged on, or in, the tank 302. Alternatively, as shown in FIGURE 3, the communication module 310 can be arranged in, or on, the base 304.
• the device 300 can comprise a sensor 312 of a quantity of medication leaving the reservoir 102 through the dispensing opening 106.
• Such a sensor makes it possible to ensure that the quantity of drug dispensed complies with the dosage associated with a user.
• Such a sensor 312 can be any type of mechanical, electrical or optical sensor.
• the sensor 312 is an optical sensor making it possible to count the number of capsules leaving the reservoir 102.
• the sensor 312 can be arranged on, or in, the reservoir.
• sensor 312 is arranged in, or on, base 304, downstream of dispensing opening 106.
• the device 300 can comprise a closure means 314, disposed downstream of the dispensing opening 106, movable between a first position allowing the passage of drugs and a second position preventing the passage of drugs.
• the closure means 314 comprises a controllable actuator 314i, and designed to move a member 3142 forming a physical obstacle to the passage of the medicine, into the second position.
• the member 3142 forming a physical obstacle can be a tab, a cover, a cover, or any other object that opposes the passage of the drug.
• the actuator 314i can be a motor, or a jack, or even a magnetic actuator, or any other actuator that can be controlled by an electrical signal, or a wave, and moving the member 3142.
• the obturation means 314 can be controlled, for example by a management unit of the device 300 so that, when an anomaly is detected, said obturation means 314 is positioned in its second position.
• An anomaly can be linked to any of the data or parameters described above.
• the closure means 314 can be arranged on, or in, the tank. Alternatively, as shown in FIGURE 3, the closure means 314 is arranged in, or on, the base 304, downstream of the dispensing opening 106.
• the device 300 comprises a management unit 316 configured to authorize or not the dispensing of the drug to the user according to at least one piece of data stored in the electronic chip 110 and at least a predefined condition.
• the management unit 316 can be a processor configured by a computer program.
• the management unit 316 can be arranged on, or in, the tank. Alternatively, as shown in FIGURE 3, the management unit 316 is arranged in, or on, the base 304.
• the management unit can be configured to perform any combination of at least one of the following operations:
• - Interrogate a degradable sensor, such as sensor 110, to determine its operating state; - compare a temperature datum, and/or a pressure datum, and/or a hygrometry datum, etc., for example measured by the sensor 114, with at least one threshold value stored locally, or loaded from a remote site ;
• device 300 can comprise other components than those which have just been described.
• device 300 may include:
• FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of another non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a drug dispensing device according to the invention, in particular when said device is in the form of a drug dispensing apparatus .
• Device 400 of FIGURE 4 includes all of the elements of device 300 of FIGURE 3, except for the differences noted below.
• FIGURE 5 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a drug dispensing system according to the invention.
• the system 500 of FIGURE 5 comprises a central server 502 to which a plurality of dispensing devices 504i- 504n are connected, through a communication network 506 of the Internet type.
• the central server is for example located on a site remote from each of the devices 504i- 504n .
• At least one of the dispensing devices 504i- 504n may be any of the devices 100 or 200 of FIGURES 1 or 2, or the device 600 of FIGURES 6a-6e.
• each dispensing device is coupled with a dispensing device, or base, itself connected to said Internet network.
• At least one of the dispensing devices 504i- 504n can be any one of the devices 300 or 400 of FIGURES 1 or 2.
• each dispensing device is itself connected to said Internet network, possibly through of a connection gateway.
• FIGURES 6a-6e are schematic representations of another non-limiting embodiment of a drug dispensing device according to the invention.
• the device 600 of FIGURES 6a-6e is in the form of a cartridge intended to be used with a device, or a base, for dispensing medication, and in particular in a removable manner and in particular in an interchangeable manner.
• FIGURE 6a The device 600 is shown in FIGURE 6a in a side view, in FIGURE 6b in a vertical sectional view.
• FIGURES 6c-6e show the closure means fitted to device 600.
• the device 600 is in the form of a cartridge, in particular longitudinal, provided to be coupled to a base, for drug dispensing.
• the device 600 is used for dispensing drugs in the form of capsules or tablets.
• capsule designates a solid and unitary form of medicament, such as a capsule or a tablet.
• the device 600 comprises a reservoir 102 provided in the upper part of the device 600.
• the reservoir 102 is formed by a cover 602, in the form of a cup or a beaker, assembled with the rest of the device 600 for example by clipping.
• the cover 602 can be filled with capsules to be dispensed and then be assembled with the rest of the device 600, which facilitates both the filling of the reservoir 102 and also the manufacture of the device 600.
• the device 600 comprises a conduit 604, called conveying conduit 604, for conveying a capsule located in the reservoir 102 towards the dispensing opening 106, with a view to delivering it to the user.
• the conduit 604 communicates with the reservoir 102, in its upper part, thanks to a part 606, in the form of a funnel, to help the passage of the drugs located in the reservoir 102 towards said conduit 604.
• the width of the conduit 604 is sized so that the capsules are routed one after the other in said conveying duct 604. Each capsule which passes through the conveying duct 604 falls by gravity towards the dispensing opening 106.
• the device 600 comprises a radial opening 608, provided on the duct 604 to detect each capsule routed through said duct 604, and optionally count the number of capsules dispensed.
• the device 600 comprises a sensor, such as the sensor 110, sensitive to at least one physical quantity, and making it possible to determine whether the drug located in the reservoir has been degraded or not, placed in the reservoir, as described upper.
• Device 600 may further include any combination of the sensors described above with reference to devices 100-400, which are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.
• the device 600 further comprises a closure means 610 to control the dispensing of capsules.
• the closure means 610 is best seen in FIGURE 6c.
• the shutter means 610 comprises, in a particularly advantageous manner, two shutter mechanisms operating independently of each other.
• the obturation means 610 comprises a first obturation mechanism 620, movable between an open position allowing the passage of medicine and a closed position preventing the passage of medicine.
• the first shutter mechanism 620 is intended to be actuated by the user.
• the first shutter mechanism 620 visible in FIGURE 6c, is also shown in sectional view in 6d, mounted on the delivery conduit 604.
• the first shutter mechanism 620 comprises two arms 622 and 624 positioned on either side of the duct 604, and extending substantially in the direction of said duct 604.
• Each arm 622 and 624 is fixed to the duct 604 by a fixing tab, respectively 626 and 628, flexible, allowing the movement of said arm 622 and 624 around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the direction of passage of the drugs, or perpendicular to said conveying duct 604.
• Each of the fixing lugs 626 and 628 thus makes it possible to pivot the corresponding arm 622 or 624.
• Each arm 622 and 624 comprises, in its lower part, a shutter in the form of a tooth or a hook, respectively 630 and 632, extending towards the other of the arms so that the arms 622 and 624 with their shutter 630 and 632 form a jaw, called the swallow jaw, downstream of the dispensing opening 106.
• each arm 622 and 624 comprises, in its upper part, a shutter in the form of a tooth or a hook, respectively 634 and 636, extending towards the other of the arms so that the arms 622 and 624 with their obturator 634 and 636 form a jaw, said upstream jaw, upstream of the dispensing opening 106.
• the shutters 634 and 636 plunge into the duct 604 through radial openings made in said duct opposite these shutters, resulting in the conduit 604 being blocked by the upstream jaw.
• the shutters 630 and 632 plunge into the duct 604 through other radial openings made in the duct opposite these shutters, causing the duct 604 to be blocked. through the downstream jaw.
• the distance between the downstream jaw and the upstream jaw of the first mechanism is chosen so that it is slightly greater than the length of a capsule in the direction of the duct 604.
• a single capsule can be located between the downstream and upstream jaws.
• each arm 622 and 624 comprises, in its upper part, a shoulder, respectively 638 and 640, extending radially outwards with respect to the conduit 604, provided to be subjected to a bearing force. in order to pivot said arm 622 and 624, in particular in said first direction.
• the part 606 comprises an inclined peripheral wall 642, in the shape of an inverted funnel, which presses on the two arms 622 and 624 so as to exert said effort of pressure under the action of a pressure from the user.
• the downstream jaw formed by shutters 630 and 632 is closed and the upstream jaw formed by shutters 634 and 636 is open.
• a capsule can pass through the conveying duct 604 and be positioned between the upstream and downstream jaws.
• the downstream jaw being closed, the capsule cannot leave the conveying duct 604 and remains between the upstream and downstream jaws.
• the part 606 is moved along the duct 604, and the inclined wall 642 presses on the shoulders 638 and 640 so that the arms 622 and 624 are rotated.
• Obturators 630 and 632 move apart so that the swallow jaw opens.
• the 634 and 636 shutters approach so that the upstream jaw closes.
• the first mechanism 620 allows controlled and unitary dispensing of a medication.
• the second shutter mechanism 650 extends in a plane perpendicular to the duct 604, under the dispensing opening 106, and in particular under the first shutter mechanism.
• Each arm 652 and 654 comprises a shutter in the form of a tooth or a hook, respectively 656 and 658, extending towards the other of the arms so that the arms 652 and 654 with their shutter 656 and 658 form a jaw downstream of the dispensing opening 106, and in particular downstream of the first shutter mechanism.
• the arms 652 and 654 are rotatably mounted around a pivot at one end, and interconnected by a spring 660 at the opposite end.
• each arm 652 and 654 comprises, on the side of its first end, a shoulder, respectively 662 and 664, intended to be subjected to a bearing force in order to move said arm 622 and 624, in particular rotation around their pivot and move it away from the other of the arms.
• the second mechanism can be controlled by a management unit of said device, for example following at least one datum/condition tested, such as one of, or any combination of at least two of, the data/conditions listed upper.
• the management unit can be placed in the device 600.
• the management unit can be arranged in a base (not shown in FIGURES 6a-6e) with which the device is intended to be used, such as for example the base 304.
• the management unit can control the second mechanism by means of an actuator (not shown), such as a motor or a cylinder, which actuates the member 666.
• the actuator can be arranged in the base.
• FIGURES 6a-6e are in no way limiting.
• the first and the second mechanism can have other shapes than those described.
• the first mechanism may comprise only one jaw, namely the swallow jaw.
• the device can comprise only one of the first and second mechanisms.
• the device may include only the first mechanism or the second mechanism.
• FIGURE 7 is a schematic representation of a non-limiting embodiment of a base with which a device according to the invention can be used, when it is in the form of a cartridge
• Base 700 in FIGURE 7 may be base 304 in FIGURES 3 or 4.
• Base 700 can be used with any of cartridges 100, 200, 302 and 600.
• the base 700 comprises, in its upper part, an opening 702 to receive a cartridge, such as for example the cartridge 600.
• a cartridge such as for example the cartridge 600.
• the lower part of the cartridge 600 is introduced into the base 700, in the use configuration.
• the base 700 comprises a display screen 704, a fingerprint reader 706, a management unit, at least one battery, in particular rechargeable, possibly an actuator to actuate the second shutter mechanism, possibly a module communications, etc. as described above.
• the base 700 further comprises a receptacle 708, in the form of a drawer, to collect the drugs dispensed.
• a receptacle 708 in the form of a drawer, to collect the drugs dispensed.
• the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

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