JP2011005321A - Medication dispensing method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently and economically supply medication to a receiver of the medication in a place distant from a pharmacist.SOLUTION: The method and apparatus for dispensing prepackaged medication packages includes an apparatus having a body with an internal cavity and an opening. A central processing unit operably communicates with an actuator within the cavity to regulate and monitor the dispensation of the packages, while the actuator operably communicates with a feed mechanism within the cavity to dispense the packages.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to methods and devices used for drug administration.

  Taking compliance is an action of taking a predetermined amount of a drug during a predetermined time interval with a predetermined interval. Some medicines should not be taken until the next predetermined time interval if they are not taken at a predetermined time. Clinicians recognize the need to manage taking time to ensure safe and effective treatment. Clinicians are also recognizing the important role played by caregivers and stakeholders in helping people with mild helplessness and forgetfulness taking medications to manage medication.

  Some devices attempt to assist with patient compliance. The device includes a drug delivery device having a loadable disposable cup or a loadable container. In any case, a patient or caregiver loads individual cups or containers into which a drug to be administered in a predetermined amount is placed. Patients or caregivers typically program drug administration intervals so that medication is administered at a predetermined time. Patients or caregivers often find the process of loading and programming the device complicated.

  Some dispensing devices hold the medication for a predetermined period of time until the patient manually requests medication administration. This is accomplished by requiring the patient to manually interact with the device to obtain the medication. If the patient does not request a medication, the medication is administered to an isolation room in the device. The next drug dosing interval continues as manually ordered by the patient. It is also known to include a caregiver notification system that communicates and notifies a caregiver that a medication has been missed.

  Some methods attempt to assist with patient compliance by providing pre-packaged medication. Pre-packaged packages are available from an authorized pharmacist in individually labeled packages. These packages are labeled in text format with important information about the patient, contents, and the date and time of taking. The packages are connected in series so that the patient can manually take a single package containing a predetermined amount of medication at a specified time. By using the central point of packaging, an authorized pharmacist can screen for drug interactions and control multiple doses.

  An apparatus for administering prepackaged medication to a patient or caregiver includes a monitoring system that actively manages compliance of the patient in taking medication. The device has a body with an opening and an internal cavity. The actuator and delivery mechanism are received in the cavity and are operably connected to each other to dispense the package from the opening. The central processing unit is in operative communication with the actuator and at least one sensor that automatically regulates the administration of the package at a predetermined time to monitor patient compliance.

  Another aspect of the invention includes a method of administering a package of medication to a patient or caregiver. The method includes providing a package containing a predetermined amount of drug and a drug delivery device. The package is then loaded into the device and the package is accessible during a predetermined time interval. Thereafter, if the package has not been removed from the device, the package is made inaccessible.

  Another aspect of the invention includes a device for administering a prepackaged medicament. The device includes a plurality of bodies each having an internal cavity and an opening and having an actuator received in each cavity. A delivery mechanism is received in each cavity where the delivery mechanism is in operative communication with an associated one of the actuators to deliver and dispense a package of medication toward the outlet. The treatment unit is arranged in operative communication with each of the actuators and regulates the administration of the package through the respective outlet by the supply mechanism.

  Another aspect of the invention includes a method of administering a package of medication to an authorized recipient. The method includes providing a plurality of drug delivery devices and creating a network by deploying devices that communicate with each other. Also, a processing unit is incorporated in the network, and an interface device that communicates with the processing unit is incorporated. Furthermore, a package containing a predetermined amount of drug is provided, and the package is loaded into the drug administration device. Next, a drug request is input to the interface device, and the request is processed through the processing unit. The recipient is then allowed access to the package from the selected drug delivery device in response to the specified request.

  An object, feature, and advantage of the present invention is to provide a plurality of drug delivery devices networked together so that a package of drugs can be administered to a remote recipient by an authorized pharmacist. Enable, reduce the time required to obtain drugs, enable multiple types and quantities of drugs to be efficiently received at a single location away from a licensed pharmacist, and the expected downtime for humans to obtain drugs Includes methods and devices for administering drugs that reduce time, are simple to handle, and are economical to make and install.

1 is a perspective view of a drug administration device configured according to a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of the device with the side plate removed and showing the internal cavity and multiple internal components. It is a partial side view of the supply mechanism of the apparatus shown by FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a shape of a prepackaged drug. Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a presently preferred logic process of a drug delivery device. It is a figure which shows the interface screen of the chemical | medical agent administration apparatus in a normal operation mode. It is a figure which shows the interface screen in a setting mode. It is a figure which shows the interface screen in a medication program mode. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows other embodiment of a pair of roller in the supply mechanism of an apparatus. FIG. 6 is a partial side view showing an alternative embodiment of the apparatus supply mechanism. FIG. 6 is a partial side view showing an alternative embodiment of the apparatus supply mechanism. It is a front perspective view of the chemical | medical agent administration apparatus comprised by other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the drug administration device shown in FIG. 12. It is a front view of the chemical | medical agent administration apparatus shown in FIG. 12 mounted in a wall with an interface apparatus and a central processing unit. FIG. 13 is a front view of the device shown in FIG. 12 in communication with an interface device on a movable cart. FIG. 13 is a schematic internal side view of the drug delivery device shown in FIG. 12 showing a plurality of supply mechanisms in communication with a plurality of prepackaged drugs. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a communication network between a plurality of drug delivery devices and a plurality of remote stations illustrated in FIG. 12.

  These and other objects, features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings of the presently preferred embodiments and best mode.

  1 and 2 show a drug removal container or device 10 that allows a patient or patient caregiver to administer a predetermined amount of drug at predetermined time intervals. The medication is prepackaged and placed in a labeled package 12 to provide the patient with the appropriate amount of medication at a predetermined time. The device 10 is monitored for drug administration so that a patient, caregiver, or anyone else with direct or remote access to the device 10 can confirm that the patient is taking the drug as prescribed. To be controlled. The device 10 can also notify the patient or other person when it is time for the patient to take the medication, or when the medication is not taken during a predetermined time interval.

  The apparatus 10 has a body 14 which preferably has a pair of side walls 16 and 18 attached to a housing 20 having a front panel 21 and a rear panel 23 and an upper surface 25 and a lower surface 27, and defines an internal cavity 22 (FIG. 2). . One wall shown here as wall 16 has a door or access panel 17 arranged to rotate about a set of hinges 19 so that an authorized person can access the interior of the device 10. The access panel preferably has a lock 15 that prevents unauthorized persons from accessing the interior of the device 10. The body 14 may be made from any suitable material, such as, for example, a plastic or metal material, and further any suitable material such as injection molding, pressing, machining, etc. may be used to construct the body 14. It should be appreciated that various construction methods may be used.

The housing 20 may be constructed as a single piece of material, or may be constructed from two or more materials that are otherwise attached to each other. The front panel 21 has an opening 24 for receiving the interface screen 26 and a plurality of small openings 28 (FIGS. 6 to 8) for receiving “soft” keys or interface keys 30 and, as a shape, displays the tablet diagrammatically up It has a dispensing actuator represented by a button 32 (FIG. 1). The dispensing actuator 32 may be an index finger or thumb fingerprint recognition pad 32 to limit the dispensing of the package 12 to a person with appropriate authority. Fingerprint information of an authorized person's index finger or thumb may be programmed into the device 10 as needed. The dosing actuator 32 may also be a voice-recognizing microphone that restricts dosing of the package 12 to authorized individuals who have the identification features necessary to trigger the dosing of the package 12 from the device 10. Alternatively, it may be a retinal scanning mechanism or another recognition system. As discussed in more detail below, each interface key 30 can be effectively changed in definition depending on the mode selected by the user and can control various functions. The front panel 21 also has openings 34 through which the individual packages 12 are dispensed at each designated or predetermined time. Desirably, the rear panel 23 has an opening 36 through which the power module 38 is accessible.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the device 10 contains a container 40 sized to be received in the cavity 22 of the body 14. The container is preferably generally rectangular and is sized to accommodate a plurality of packages 12. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, adjacent packages 12 are connected along perforations 45 and are preferably stacked together in a container 40, such as a folded bellows. ing. It should be appreciated that the package 12 may also be wrapped around a spool or otherwise stored in the container 40. Desirably, the container 40 has a wall 42 with a slot 44 through which the drug package 12 passes as it advances. The container 40 can preferably hold a large amount of drug, such as a drug that is greater than or equal to one month's supply. Preferably, the package 12 is loaded into the container by an authorized individual, such as a pharmacist. It should be appreciated that the container 40 is functioning to hold them in place so that the package 12 can be easily opened and extended for administration from the device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the package 12 is preferably individually sealed pouches that are connected to one another by perforations 45. This provides a series of drug packages that are linked together. As noted above, the package 12 is preferably pre-packaged by an authorized pharmacist and labeled, encoded, or otherwise identified to indicate their individual contents. For example, a barcode 47 is preferably used to encode all information such as medication time taken, patient name, medication type, medication volume, and the like. In addition to or instead of barcode 47, the above information is preferably labeled with optically readable text 49 or other readable information format such as symbols or braille Should be recognized. By prepacking the drug, the pharmacist can screen for drug-drug interactions, and can confirm that the drugs in the package do not cause toxic reactions. In addition to the package 12 labeled with patient information described above, a particular package 12 may include instructional information for facilitating operation of the device 10. This instruction may take the form of downloadable software, affect the program, or initialize a programmable device, shown here as a central processing unit (CPU) 52 in the device 10, for example. it can. This instruction can preferably include setup information in the first package 12 and can communicate with the CPU 52 to provide the device 10 with specific operating instructions. It should be appreciated that any desired package 12 in the series of packages 12 can include information that facilitates operation of the device 10, thereby changing the mode of operation of the device at a given time.

Referring again to FIG. 2, in order to advance and dispense the drug package 12, the device 10 has a delivery mechanism, typically represented at 46. The supply mechanism 46 has in part an actuating device, here represented by way of example as an electric motor 48. The motor 48 is operably connected to the controller 50 by, for example, a connection 51, and the controller 50 is in operative communication with the CPU 52 by, for example, connection (not shown). The motor 48 has, by way of example, a shaft 54 with a drive, represented by a drive gear 56 with a predetermined number of teeth 57 extending radially outward. The drive gear 56 is attached to the shaft 54 and rotates coupled to the shaft 54.

  The supply mechanism 46 also includes a first pair of rollers having relatively flexible outer surfaces 61, 63 that are supported to rotate with each of a pair of generally parallel shafts 62, 64; This is hereinafter referred to as a pair of supply rollers 58,60. The supply rollers 58, 60 are disposed laterally with a spacing sufficient for the package 12 to pass there between and a spacing for the rollers 58, 60 to engage the package 12. Flexible outer surfaces 61, 63, such as rubber, silicon, foam, etc., create frictional contact with the package 12 to facilitate delivery between the packages 12 rollers. At least one of the shafts 62, 64 secured to the supply rollers 58, 60 may be biased by a spring 65, here shown as shaft 64, so that the shafts 62, 64 face each other. Or urge away from each other so that the supply rollers 58, 60 face each other while conforming and engaging the package 12 as the package 12 passes between the supply rollers 58, 60, or Move sideways away from the camera. It should be appreciated that the supply rollers 58, 60 first engage each other while the package 12 moves laterally away from each other as it passes between the supply rollers 58, 60.

  One supply roller 58 is, as an example here, from the driven gear 66 so that the supply roller 58 rotates about its longitudinal axis in accordance with the rotational movement of the driven gear 66, the drive gear 56, and the motor 48. It has a driven portion represented by a driven gear 66 attached to a shaft 62 having a predetermined number of teeth 67 extending radially outward. The other supply roller 60 is preferably a freewheel and is arranged to rotate in response to the rotational movement of the supply roller 58.

  Desirably, the motor 48 is here incorporated by way of example into an idler portion, represented as an idler gear 68 having a predetermined number of outwardly extending teeth 69 that are supported for rotation about the shaft 70. Via the supply roller 58 so as to be operable. The teeth 69 of the idle gear 68 are arranged so as to mesh with the teeth 57 of the drive gear 56 and the teeth 67 of the driven gear 66, respectively. Therefore, when the drive gear 56 of the motor 48 rotates, the idle gear 68 rotates, and the driven gear 66 and the supply roller 58 rotate.

The supply mechanism 46 is also spaced laterally from the supply rollers 58, 60 and is shown here as having a spacing greater than the length (L) of the single package 12 (FIG. 4). Dosing rollers 72 and 74. Dosing rollers 72, 74 have a pair of generally parallel shafts 76, 78, respectively, and a relatively flexible outer surface 75, 77 that is supported for rotation. The dosing rollers 72, 74 are arranged laterally with respect to each other with a spacing sufficient for the package 12 to pass there between and the spacing between the dosing rollers 72, 74 engaging the package 12. The flexible outer surfaces 75, 77 are similar to those of the supply rollers 58, 60, thereby facilitating the administration of the package 12 between the dosing rollers 72, 74. At least one of the shafts 76, 78 fixed here to the dosing rollers 72, 74, shown here as a shaft 78, is a spring to bias the shafts 76, 78 towards each other or away from each other. 79, so that as the package 12 passes between the dosing rollers 72, 74, the dosing rollers 72, 74 are facing each other or away from each other while conforming and engaging the package 12. Move sideways. It should be appreciated that the dosing rollers 72, 74 first engage each other, while the package 12 moves in a direction away from each other as it passes between the dosing rollers 72, 74. It should also be appreciated that the supply roller shafts 62, 64 are arranged in a direction generally parallel to the dosing roller shafts 76, 78.

  One of the dosing rollers 72 is here attached by way of example to a shaft 76 with a predetermined number of teeth 81 extending radially outward therefrom so as to mesh with teeth 69 extending from the idler gear 68. And a driven portion represented by a driven gear 80. Therefore, the dosing roller 72 rotates about its longitudinal axis in response to the rotational movements of the motor 48, the idle gear 68 and the driven gear 80. The other dosing roller 74 is preferably a freewheel and is arranged to rotate in response to the rotational movement of the dosing roller 72. Desirably, the driven gear 80 has fewer teeth than the driven gear 66 of the supply roller 58.

  With a driven gear 80 having fewer teeth than the driven gear 66, the dosing rollers 72, 74 will rotate at a slightly faster rotational speed than the supply rollers 58, 60. Thus, when the package 12 passes between the supply rollers 58, 60, between the dosing rollers 72, 74, and preferably between a pair of support plates 83, which are usually transparent, the package 12 is in contact with the supply rollers 58, 60. It is pinched and positioned between the rollers 72 and 74. As a result, the package 12 is torn along a perforation 45 that is pre-formed between adjacent packages 12, separating the single package 12 from the series of packages 12 remaining in the cavity 22 of the device 12. The single package 12 is then dispensed through the opening 34 in the housing 20, as will be described in more detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 3, to facilitate administration of the package 12 between the supply rollers 58, 60 and the administration rollers 72, 74, the shaft 62 of the supply roller 58 and the shaft 76 of the administration roller 72 are The shaft 64 of the supply roller 60 and the shaft 78 of the dosing roller 74 are spaced apart by a second distance (Y), the distance (Y) being preferably spaced apart by a distance (X). Greater than distance (X). Accordingly, angles (A) and (B) are defined, and angles (A) and (B) are each generally 0 to 90 degrees, preferably 15 to 45 degrees, and preferably 25 degrees. From 35 degrees. Having the supply rollers 58, 60 in an angled direction with respect to the dosing rollers 72, 74 allows the package 12 to engage one of the supply rollers 58 and one of the dosing rollers 72 at a portion of their respective outer surfaces 61, 75. Will be. As a result, the frictional engagement of the supply roller 58 and dosing roller 72 with the package 12 increases as the package 12 passes between the supply roller 58, 60 and the dosing rollers 72, 74.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the device 10 has a chamber 82 that captures a package 12 of medication that has not been received within a predetermined designated time interval. The chamber 82 is generally located directly below the supply mechanism 46 and has an opening 84 located directly below the dosing rollers 72, 74. A lid 86, which at the same time serves as the distal end of the chamber 82 and at least partially as a dosing chute for the package 12, is arranged to rotate between a closed position and an open position. When the lid 86 is in the closed position, the lid 86 covers the opening 84 so that the package 12 dispensed from the dosing rollers 72, 74 will land on the tip of the lid 86 and slide through the opening 34. However, when the lid 86 is in the open state, the lid 86 closes the opening 34 and opens the opening 84 in the chamber 82 so that the package 12 to be dispensed from between the dosing rollers 72, 74 falls into the chamber 82. When the package 12 falls into the chamber 82, the lid 86 returns to the closed position and the package remains in the chamber 82 until an authorized person has access to the chamber 82. To facilitate movement of the lid 86, an actuator, such as a solenoid 88, moves between a retracted position and an extended position, respectively, to open or close the lid.

  Actuator 88 is operably connected to CPU 52 to initiate operation of actuator 88 between the extended and retracted positions. The CPU 52 signals the solenoid 88 to move the solenoid 88 to the retracted position when the patient or caregiver does not press the dosing button 32 during a predetermined time interval from the specified time at which the medication is to be taken. Programmed to send. Thus, as a result of the patient or caregiver not pressing the dosing button 32, the lid 86 is moved to its open position via a signal sent by the CPU 52 to the solenoid 88, while the CPU 52 simultaneously operates the motor 48. A signal is sent to the controller 50. Accordingly, the supply device 46 supplies the package 12 that has not been taken during a predetermined time interval so that the package 12 is automatically supplied by the device 10, and the package 12 that has not been taken finally has an opening 84. Through chamber 82. Thereafter, the CPU 52 stops the operation of the motor 48 and the solenoid 88 and returns the lid 86 to the closed position. All packages 12 administered to the chamber 82 have been accessed by a person with access to the chamber 82, such as with an appropriate key to unlock the lock cylinder 89, and the medication package 12 that was not taken by the patient. Until it is recovered, it is held or stowed in the chamber 82.

  In order to facilitate loading of the package 12 into the supply mechanism 46, a sensing device or first sensor 90 arranged in communication with the CPU 52 is generally disposed between the container 40 and the supply rollers 58, 60. Be placed. Therefore, when the user supplies the first package 12 of a series of packages 12 to engage the supply rollers 58, 60, the sensor 90 sends a signal to the CPU 52 and the CPU 52 energizes the motor 48. The motor 48 then rotates the supply rollers 58, 60 to advance the package between the supply rollers 58, 60 and in the direction of the dosing rollers 72, 74. Sensor 90 may be supplemented or replaced by a button so that the user can manually load package 12 into supply mechanism 46 by pressing a button that activates motor 48. As the first package 12 advances in the direction of the dosing rollers 72, 74, a reading device such as an optical character recognition (OCR) device, an optical bar code scanner or the like, or a second sensor 92, is operatively communicating with the CPU 52. Then, information on the package 12, such as text 49, bar code 47, and other information such as symbols, is read or detected, and the information is transmitted to the CPU 52. As the package 12 continues to travel in the direction of the dispensing rollers 72, 74, the package 12 faces a pre-break sensor or third sensor 94 that is also in operative communication with the CPU 52. The pre-break sensor 94 sends a signal to the CPU 52 which sends a signal to the motor 48 to turn off the motor 48 and stop the advancement of the package 12 prior to the dosing rollers 72 and 74. The package 12 remains in that position until the predetermined dosing time previously transmitted to the CPU 52 is reached. At this predetermined dosing time, the CPU 52 energizes the motor 48 to administer the package 12 to the user or administer the package 12 to the room 82 and an authorized person has accessed the room 82 and has not been used. The supply process of the package 12 is started until the medicine package 12 is removed.

As shown schematically in FIG. 5, when the device 10 is switched on, the reader 92 communicates with the CPU 52 and the bar code 47, text 49, or other readable information is readable. Make sure it is in position. If the bar code 47, text 49, or other readable information is not in a readable position, the CPU 52 communicates with the motor 48 via the controller 50 to energize the motor 48. The motor then circulates back and forth until the barcode 47 and / or text 49 are in a readable position. The motor 48 continues to circulate back and forth for a predetermined programmed time. If the bar code 47 and / or text 49 is still not readable after that time, the device 10 will check whether the package 12 is missing or there is a problem, as will be described in detail later. Inform the patient and / or caregiver. The device dispenses unreadable package 12 into chamber 82 and attempts to read the next valid package 12.

  Upon reading information from the text 49 and / or barcode 47, the CPU 52 communicates with the interface screen 26 as shown in FIG. 6 to visually display the current time and at the same time the next medication should be taken. Is also displayed. At times when the patient should take the medication, the display panel 26 may be on a blinking signal and / or display panel 26 such as, for example, but not limited to, a blinking light bulb 96 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Notify the user using a notification mechanism such as the time of day. Also, the audible alarm mechanism 98 may be sounded by pressing the “alarm” key 30 (FIG. 6) and inputting the time so that a warning is given while the user is away from the device 10 and is not looking at the display panel 26. May be programmed. The acoustic alarm mechanism 98 may take any shape such as a buzzer or a pre-recorded voice guidance.

  When notified, the user presses the dosing button 32 and energizes the supply mechanism 46. Prior to the designated time to take a predetermined amount of medication, button 32 is turned off, so that when pressed, it activates motor 48 to administer medication from the device. It should be understood that does not start. When the designated time interval for taking the medicine arrives, the CPU 52 transmits a signal to energize the button 32, and the button 32 remains energized for the designated time interval. Thus, pressing the button 32 during a designated time interval to take a predetermined volume of medication activates the motor 48. Thus, a given package 12 containing an appropriate volume of medication for a specified time interval is the remaining package 12 with a perforation 45 where the package 12 is located between the supply rollers 58, 60 and the dosing rollers 72, 74. From between the dosing rollers 72, 74 until broken. The package 12 separated from the remaining series of packages 12 is then administered to the user through the opening 34. Otherwise, if the user does not press the dosing button 32 during the predetermined time interval, as described above, the CPU 52 signals the button 32 to be turned off. Thereafter, packages 12 that have not been administered to the user during the specified time interval are automatically administered to chamber 82 by supply mechanism 46.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the user can program the device 10 by pressing the appropriate key 30, such as “Name”, “Page”, “Alarm”, and entering the desired information. Thus, the information is processed by the CPU 52 where the information is used at least in part to notify the patient or caregiver when the designated time for taking the medication comes. Notifications may take the form of signals transmitted to pagers, telephones, email systems, and other electronic devices such as computers and wireless devices. The contacts programmed via key 30 or otherwise communicated to CPU 52 via information on package 12 may be transmitted via modem and / or wireless via an operable connection between communication board 100 and CPU 52. Communication with the communication board 100 is performed. Thus, when the designated time interval for taking the medication comes, the CPU 52 sends a signal to the communication board 100, and the board is replaced, and the designated pager, telephone, email system, or other electronic device is designated. Send a signal to the selected communication receiver. As a result, the patient or designated caregiver is further notified that it is time for the patient to take the medication. In addition to notifying the patient and / or caregiver that it is time to take the medication, the communication board 100 notifies the patient and / or caregiver when the reading device 92 fails to read the package 12. be able to. In addition, the communication board can be programmed to automatically notify the caregiver when the patient is unable to take the medication. It should be appreciated that the communication board 100 and the CPU 52 may be configured as a single part or module, thereby reducing the space required for a single part and improving manufacturing and assembly efficiency.

  In addition to transmitting a signal to the electronic device described above, the patient or caregiver can access the CPU 52 via the communication board 100 by adjusting the communication board 100. Any suitable communication device, such as a phone (cell phone, cordless phone, landline phone, etc.) or computer device (desktop, PDA, handheld computer, laptop, etc.) can be used to adjust the communication board. It should be understood that Thus, the patient, caregiver and other designated parties can access the stored information in the CPU 52 and obtain information regarding the rules for the patient to take the medication. In this way, the caregiver can be aware of the patient's non-compliance, if the patient does not take the drug, and the opportunity to follow before the patient suffers from the trouble of not taking the drug Is given. In addition to accessing information in the CPU 52, the parties communicating with the communication board 100 can send information to the communication board 100 and thus to the CPU 52. Thus, a party with the appropriate authorization code can program the device 10 to follow immediate or future instructions such as, for example, administering a medication or alerting a patient or third party to act. .

  Still referring to FIG. 7, the user can manually program the designated time to administer the medication by pressing the “medicine setting” key 30. When the key 30 is pressed, an appropriate time is input to the CPU 52. When the user enters a registration with a uniform time increment, the CPU 52 recognizes it and refers to the user when the user wants to select an automatic schedule with a uniform time increment from a given time to take the medication. Give a signal to do. Ultimately, this saves the user from having to manually enter the time interval for taking the medication, which increments repeatedly and uniformly. As shown in FIG. 8, the dosing time is scrolled on the interface screen 26 so that the user can be sure of the correct time input. Once the information is entered, the user presses the “Done” key 30. It should be appreciated that if the package 12 has readable text, barcode, or other readable format that includes dosing time information, the user need not enter the dosing time.

  The device 10 is generally portable and as such, the power module 38 preferably has a DC battery backup power source, similar to an AC wall outlet cord. Preferably, the battery is rechargeable and charges when the device 10 is plugged into a standard 110V outlet. In one presently preferred shape, the device 10 is approximately 15 inches (15 ") high, 8 inches (8") wide, and 15 inches (15 ") deep. However, the device 10 may be smaller or larger as desired. It should be appreciated that larger dimensions may be configured.

  As best shown in FIG. 9, another presently preferred embodiment of a pair of feed rollers 58 ', 60' and / or a pair of dosing rollers 72 ', 74' is shown. One roller 58 ', 72' has an outer surface 61 ', 75' with a generally symmetrical convex counter, respectively, while the other roller 60 ', 74' is generally symmetrical, It has a relatively flexible concave outer surface 63 ', 77'. It has one supply roller 58 'and one dosing roller 72', each with a generally convex outer surface 61 ', 75', and each flexible and preferably concave outer surface 63 ', 77. By having the other supply roller 60 'with one and the other administration roller 74', a uniform and uniform supply of the package 12 between the supply rollers 58 ', 60' and between the administration rollers 72 ', 74' is facilitated. become. It should be appreciated that the outer surfaces 63 ', 77' are generally cylindrical in the relaxed state and assume their respective generally concave shape in response to engagement with the outer surfaces 61 ', 75', respectively. is there.

As shown in FIG. 10, another presently preferred embodiment is shown and similar reference numbers plus 100 are used to represent similar features as described in the previous embodiments. . Device 110 (not shown as a whole) corresponds to a separate individual package 112 of medication to be administered. The device 110 administers individual packages 112 to a patient or caregiver as in the first embodiment above, but prior to administration, instead of the packages 112 being interconnected along the perforation, The package is loaded as a separate package 112 in a reservoir or cartridge 102. Preferably, the packages 112 are loaded in a stacked manner, with each package 112 arranged in a similar manner, and the cartridge 102 is placed in the cavity 122 of the device 110. The package 112 is biased upward by, for example, a spring device 104 and engages a portion of the supply mechanism, here represented as the conveyor belt 106. The conveyor belt 106 is at least partially wrapped around an upper supply roller 160 and an idler roller 108 that is spaced laterally of the upper supply roller 160. Thus, when the lower supply roller 158 is driven by the operation of the motor 148, the upper supply roller 160 is driven and the conveyor belt 106 rotates clockwise. When the conveyor belt 106 rotates, the package 112 that is biased and in contact with the conveyor belt 106 is engaged with the supply rollers 158 and 160. The package 112 is then fed between supply rollers 158, 160 and engages dosing rollers 172, 174 for administration to a patient or caregiver. The package 112 may be of a length suitable to span the distance between the dispensing rollers 158,160 and the dosing rollers 172,174, while the package 112 is in contact with the supply rollers 158,160 and the dispensing rollers 172,174 Engage. Alternatively, if the package 112 does not span the distance between the supply rollers 158, 160 and the dosing rollers 172, 174, the package 112 may contact the dosing rollers 172, 174 with gravity or other biasing force. become. If the package 112 seems to span the distance between the supply rollers 158, 160 and the dosing rollers 172, 174, the rotational speed of the supply rollers 158, 160 and the dosing rollers 172, 174 is such that the supply roller 158, 160 and the dosing roller 172, It should be appreciated that 174 is adjusted through proper sizing of driven gears 166, 176 to prevent the same package 112 from engaging and competing with each other. In other respects, the device operates in the same manner as the first embodiment described above and will not be further described.

  As best shown in FIG. 11, another currently preferred embodiment is shown, with the same reference number plus 200 to represent the same features as described in the previous embodiment. Used. The device 210 (not shown as a whole) corresponds to an individual package 212 with separated drugs, as in the previous embodiment. However, unlike the previous embodiment, the package 212 is disposed on the conveyor belt 206 and is preferably biased into contact with the conveyor belt 206 by gravity. The conveyor belt 206 is at least partially wrapped around a lower supply roller 258 and an idler roller 208 that is spaced laterally of the lower supply roller 258. Accordingly, when the lower supply roller 258 is driven by the operation of a motor 248 (not shown), the conveyor belt 206 rotates counterclockwise. As the conveyor belt 206 rotates, the package 212 that is biased into frictional contact with the conveyor belt 206 will engage the supply rollers 258 and 260. Thereafter, the device 210 operates in the same manner as in the above embodiment and will not be described further.

As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an apparatus 310 constructed in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention is shown to represent features similar to those described in the previous embodiments. The same reference number plus 300 is used. The device 310 is configured to dispense a plurality of prepackaged medication packages 312 such as tablets and capsules, for example, which are arranged in a series of separate packages within the housing 320 of the device 310. ing. Thus, each of the isolated series of packages 312 includes different types of drugs so that the device 310 can be directed by an authorized user and can administer multiple different types and / or different amounts of drugs as desired. be able to.

  The housing 320 has a pair of side walls 316, 318, a front panel 321 and a rear panel 323. The front panel 321 is preferably attached to the housing 320 via a plurality of hinges 319 and has at least one opening 334 from which the dispensed package 312 is removed by an authorized recipient. The front panel 321 is opened by a hinge 319 for access to the housing 320 that may be required during repair of the device 310. To prevent unauthorized access to the housing 320, a lock 315, such as a key activated lock or an electromechanical lock, is preferably provided with an appropriate key, access code, etc., depending on the type of lock incorporated. It is arranged for operable communication with the front panel 321 in order to prevent unauthorized access by persons other than those who have it.

  In addition to the lock 315, the front panel 321 preferably has a bi-directional vision system, such as a bi-directional mirror 329, to prevent unauthorized or undesired viewing of the device 310 through the front panel 321. As such, anyone who views the front panel 321 must first be an authorized person in some way, such as entering an access code into the interface device 326 (FIGS. 14 and 15). Without showing, the inside of the device 310 beyond the front panel 321 cannot be seen. When appropriate authority is indicated, a generally adjacent light 331 is preferably illuminated after the front panel 321 and can be temporarily observed through the front panel 321. Thus, the medication to be administered is temporarily observed as it falls towards the opening 334 in the front panel 321, and further problems such as clogging of one of the medication packages 312 within the device 310 during the administration process. When this happens, the problem is immediately observed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the device 310 is preferably mounted within the opening 333 in the wall 335 and provides a local dispensing station for the pre-packaged medication package 312. To increase the number and type of packages 312 administered from one location, as many units as desired are placed next to each other. As shown in FIG. 14, when the device is mounted in the wall 335, an interface device 326, such as a keypad or monitor, preferably communicates with the device 310 and the central processing unit 337 (CPU). As shown in FIG. 17, the (CPU) 337 generally operably communicates with at least one control station, here represented as a plurality of control stations 339, such as a nurse station and / or a pharmacist station, for example. . Communication between each interface device 326, device 310, CPU 337, and control station 339 can be via an Ethernet system, a virtual private network (VPN), or an Internet system, or wirelessly, eg, an RF signal. This can be done via a connection or via a wired connection.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the device 310 can be carried on a wheeled hospital cart 351 or the like, for example, as a movable drug administration station. Desirably, when arranged as a mobile dosing station, the device 310 is preferably powered by a backup battery power source 338 (FIG. 16) carried within the housing 320 of the device 310 as a power source. Or the like, and communicates with at least one station 339 via the interface device 326 and the CPU 337. It should be appreciated that the movable interface device 326 can be adapted for wired connection to, for example, an electrical outlet or telephone jack (not shown), and can accommodate communication via, for example, a modem.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 16, device 310 has a plurality of dosing chutes 386, here by way of example and without limitation, eight chutes 386, each chute 386 being a separate feed. A mechanism 346 and separate series of packages 312 are shown. The supply mechanism 346 and its operation are similar to those described in the previous embodiments and will not be further described.

  Each series of packages 312 is preferably received in or wrapped around a housing container, shown here as a spool 340, which receives a package 312 of a desired shape and size. It is sized like this. Desirably, the spool 340 is sized to accommodate a plurality of drug packages 312 that are each connected along perforations 345, as in the previous embodiment. Preferably, a daily supply or more supply of pre-packaged drug depending on the type of packaged drug in package 312 and the demand for the particular type of drug in package 312. An amount is received around the spool 340. Although the package 312 is shown in a shape wound around the spool 340, the package 312 may be arranged in a folded bellows shape or as a separate package as described in the previous embodiments. Should be recognized.

  The chute 386 is desirably positioned with a space inwardly from the front panel 321 such that the package 312 of dispensed medication exits the chute 386 and generally falls in the direction of the opening 334 of the front panel 321. To facilitate directing the dispensed package 312 to the opening 334, a pair of inclined ramps 351 (FIG. 12) preferably extend from the sides 316, 318 of the device 310 and the opening 334 of the front panel 321. Inwardly merges and delivers or carries the dispensed package 312 towards the opening 334. Although shown as having a single opening 334, separate openings may be incorporated in the front panel to communicate directly from each chute 386, not shown here, It should be appreciated that the need for ramp 351 to direct 312 directly to a single opening 334 can be eliminated.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 17, the plurality of devices 310 are preferably in communication with each other via a network 353. Although a single network 353 is shown here, it should be appreciated that multiple networks may be placed in communication with each other. Communication between the network 353, the device 310, the nurse station 339, and the pharmacist station 339 can be, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), VPN, global area network (GAN), local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet or It may be by wired connection such as radio frequency (RF) communication or by wireless communication. Preferably, each device 312 has a serial controller 355 (FIG. 13) that communicates with the CPU 337, which communicates with at least one station, and preferably with all nurse stations 339 and pharmacist stations 339, for example. ing. If the user has presented the appropriate certificate or is authorized to issue a dosing instruction, the user may receive a medication package 312 from one or more selected devices 310 from the nurse station 339 and / or the pharmacist station 339. Instructions can be sent. Preferably, the user enters an access code at one of the stations 339 to send instructions to administer one or more medication packages 312 to each device 310. It should be appreciated that an authorized user can input instructions to administer medication directly into the interface device 326 of each device 310. When an instruction to administer a drug is input from the station 339, the CPU 337 processes the instruction and sends it to the respective serial controller 355. The serial controller 355 has the authority to supply the appropriate drug package 312 to each supply mechanism 346. Signal the recipient to administer.

  The CPU 337 is preferably programmed with specific information regarding the medication contained within each device 310 connected to the associated network 353. For example, the programmed information may include, as desired, the number of packages 312 currently available at each supply mechanism 346 in each device 310, the type of drug in each package 312, and each drug in each package 312. , The expiration date of each drug in each package 312, possible interactions between each drug in each package 312, or other information as desired. Thus, the CPU 337 may change the selected station 339 or authority if the number of remaining packages 312 decreases, possible interactions between drugs, expiration of drugs in each package 312 or others occur. It may be programmed to send notifications to users who have.

  In use, a user can enter a request directly into the interface device 326 of the device 310 or otherwise enter an instruction into the CPU 337 of the network 353 to determine the medication administered from one of the devices 310. You can enter a request. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that a request for medication administered from the selected device 310 may be input from any interface device 326 that communicates with the network 353 and the communication path may be wired or wireless. Should be. Once the request is entered, the request is processed by a pharmacist or the like, and the pharmacist can send a dosing instruction so that the requested medication is dispensed from the particular device 310. Requests and dosing instructions are processed by the CPU 337 so that any necessary information, such as the supply or shortage of the drug at each device 310, is immediately communicated to the user waiting for the drug. If the designated device 310 has run out of the requested medication, the user may go to the next closest device 310 for the requested medication. The request may be for several different types of medications, and a single device may respond to requests for multiple types of medications by having different medications dispensed from different spools 340 in device 310. It should be recognized that it can be done. It should also be appreciated that a drug can be administered from the selected device 310 without the assistance of a pharmacist if the user exhibits appropriate authority.

  As shown in FIG. 16, if the device 310 administers the wrong type of drug for any reason, the recipient removes the drug package 312 from the return slot 359, preferably located on the front panel 321. 310 can be returned. Desirably, the package 312 is restocked in the device 310 via communication with the CPU 337. In order to facilitate communication with the CPU 337 with respect to the returned package 312, the package 312 is preferably encrypted, for example, a barcode 347 such as information such as type, amount, etc. of the contained drug. Information. It should be appreciated that the information includes content and may be in the shape detailed in the previous embodiments, such as Braille. The apparatus 310 preferably has a barcode scanner 392 in proximity to the return slot 359 that communicates with the CPU 337, which scans the package 312 returned through the slot 359 and communicates information to the CPU 337. To do. It will be appreciated that the device 310 can also place the barcode scanner in a position where it can scan the packages 312 as they are dispensed and communicate information on the barcode to the CPU 337 as detailed in the previous embodiments. Should be. The returned medicine is stored in the isolation room or storage area 382 until the authorized user accesses the storage area 382 and collects the package 312. Upon collection of the package 312, the user returns the package to the pharmacist for proper disposal and / or inventory tracking.

The disclosed embodiments are representative of presently preferred configurations of the invention, but are not limiting and are exemplary. For example, it should be appreciated that the gear may be replaced with a chain gear, chain, pulley, belt, or other suitable drive link. Those skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments upon reviewing this disclosure in its entirety. It should be understood that other embodiments of the invention realizing the same or similar functions are within the scope of the claims.

Claims (11)

Providing a package containing a predetermined amount of drug;
Providing a drug administration device;
Loading the package into the drug delivery device;
Make the package accessible during a given time interval,
If the package has not been removed from the drug delivery device during the predetermined time interval, the package is made inaccessible after the predetermined time interval has passed;
A method of administering a package of medicaments at predetermined time intervals comprising steps. The method of claim 1, comprising programming the medication delivery machine to notify a caregiver if the package has not been removed from the medication delivery device during the predetermined time interval. The method of claim 1, comprising accessing information in the medication delivery device from a location remote from the medication delivery device via wireless transmission to obtain a patient medication compliance history. The method of claim 1, comprising providing the package as a series of interconnected packages along perforations between each of the packages. Separating the package from the series of packages during the predetermined time interval, making the package accessible during the predetermined time period and inaccessible after the predetermined time period has passed. Item 2. The method according to Item 1. Providing the medication delivery device with a delivery mechanism, wherein the delivery mechanism advances the package to an outlet of the medication delivery device and separates the package from the series of packages by breaking the package. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method is operable. The method of claim 1, comprising providing readable information on the package, wherein the drug delivery device reads information on the package to facilitate operation of the drug delivery device. An actuating device having a drive;
A pair of supply rollers, which are arranged to engage each other when the drug package is removed from between the supply rollers and generally parallel to each other, one of the supply rollers being in operative communication with the drive The supply roller that rotates the one supply roller in accordance with the rotational movement of the drive unit, and advances the package between the supply rollers,
A pair of dosing rollers arranged to engage each other when the drug package is removed from between the dosing rollers and generally spaced parallel to each other and spaced laterally from the supply roller; One of the dosing rollers has a driven part that is operatively connected to the drive part, the one dosing roller is rotated according to the rotational movement of the driving part, and the package 1 is advanced between the dosing rollers. The dosing roller
A supply mechanism for separating a package of drugs from a series of packaged drugs, said series of packaged drugs having adjacent packages interconnected along the perforation. 9. The supply mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the one administration roller rotates at a faster speed than the one supply roller in accordance with the rotational movement of the drive unit. 9. The supply mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the supply roller is disposed laterally from the dosing roller at a distance greater than any length of the package. Comprising a plurality of the drug administration devices;
A network is formed by arranging the drug administration devices to communicate with each other,
Make the package from the selected drug delivery device accessible to the recipient,
The method of claim 1, further comprising a step.

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