JP7301825B2 - temperature controlled distribution drawer - Google Patents

Description

Many industries rely on accurate inventory control and secure item distribution. For example, in a hospital setting, it is of paramount importance to administer the correct medication to the patient at the correct dose. In addition, it is legally required that controlled substances be securely stored and accurately tracked, and it is also important that drug and supplies inventories be tracked so that proper operational controls can be implemented. .

Different drugs may have different storage requirements. For example, some drugs or supplies may require refrigeration while others do not. Items that require refrigeration can present special problems, as they are usually only stored in the refrigerator. Even if the refrigerator is locked, once the refrigerator is accessed, all items in the refrigerator become accessible and subject to misappropriation, diversion, or other problems.

According to one aspect, an apparatus for dispensing items comprises a cabinet and a drawer within the cabinet. A drawer includes one or more compartments for storing items. The device further includes a refrigeration system within the drawer. The refrigeration system is configured to maintain one or more compartments of the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the cabinet. The drawer further comprises insulation on the sides of the drawer and insulation below the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a computerized controller coupled to the drawer, the controller controlling access to the drawer. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a temperature probe within the drawer, the temperature probe providing a signal indicative of the temperature within the drawer to the computerized controller, the computerized controller determining the temperature of the drawer. to the user of the device. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a temperature buffer surrounding the temperature probe. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more actuators controllable by a computerized controller and coupled to respective lids of the one or more compartments; The actuator is located outside the interior of the drawer defined by insulation on the sides of the drawer and insulation underneath one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators include one or more solenoids. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators are located outside the interior of the drawer defined by insulation on the sides of the drawer and insulation beneath the one or more compartments. Mounted on one or more printed circuit boards. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more lights respectively corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, the controller indicating that a particular compartment is to be accessed. Once determined, it is configured to actuate one of the actuators corresponding to the particular compartment to unlock the particular compartment and illuminate one of the lights corresponding to the particular compartment. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an override mechanism accessible from outside the drawer, the override mechanism mechanically moving one or more actuators to manually unlock the compartment. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an insulation panel within the cabinet, the insulation panel being positioned above the drawer when the drawer is closed and within the cabinet, the insulation panel being positioned above the drawer when the drawer is open. If so, it remains inside the cabinet. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an upper insulating panel coupled to the drawer, the upper insulating panel slidable relative to the drawer to expose one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system is positioned between a compressor and condenser positioned at the rear of the drawer and one or more compartments of the drawer and insulation beneath the one or more compartments. including an evaporator. In some embodiments, the evaporator is a roll bond evaporator. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a fan, which moves air from outside the drawer through the condenser. In some embodiments, the drawer defines an air flow path through which the fan moves air, the air flow path circumscribing the cabinet at the front side of the cabinet such that air enters the air flow path at the front of the cabinet. Open to the environment, fans exhaust air from the rear of the cabinet. In some embodiments, the airflow path is at least partially defined within insulation beneath one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more additional drawers, wherein at least one of the one or more additional drawers is non-refrigerated.

According to another aspect, a drawer comprises an outer shell, an insulating material defining a temperature controlled interior of the drawer, and a compressor and condenser located within the drawer but outside the temperature controlled interior of the drawer. and a refrigeration system having an evaporator located within the temperature controlled interior of the drawer. The drawer includes partitions defining one or more compartments within the temperature-controlled interior of the drawer, one or more lids covering the one or more compartments, and electrical components for receiving power and control signals. an interface and one or more actuators coupled to the one or more lids for locking and unlocking the one or more compartments in response to control signals received via the electrical interface; further provide. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators are located outside the temperature controlled interior of the drawer. In some embodiments, the drawer further comprises one or more lights corresponding to one or more compartments, the lights responsive to control signals received via the electrical interface. In some embodiments, the drawer has an air intake at the front of the drawer, an air flow path located at least partially within an insulating panel below the temperature controlled interior of the drawer, and an air flow path to the air intake. and expels air from the rear side of the drawer through the air flow path and through the condenser. In some embodiments, the air intake is hidden within a handle on the front side of the drawer.

According to another aspect, a drawer includes an outer shell, insulation defining an insulated interior of the drawer, an air intake on a first side of the drawer, and an air outlet on a second side of the drawer. , with a fan. The fan draws air into the air intake and forces air out of the exhaust, between which the air flows through an air flow path at least partially defined by the insulation. In some embodiments, the drawer further comprises a refrigeration system that cools the insulated interior of the drawer, and the fan forces air from outside the drawer to flow through a condenser of the refrigeration system. In some embodiments, the first side of the drawer is the front side of the drawer and the air intake is hidden within the handle on the front side of the drawer.

According to another aspect, an apparatus for dispensing items comprises a cabinet and a drawer within the cabinet. A drawer includes one or more compartments for storing items. The device further includes a cooling system within the drawer. A cooling system is configured to maintain one or more compartments of the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the cabinet. The drawer further comprises insulation on the sides of the drawer and insulation below the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the cooling system includes a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. In some embodiments, the cooling system is a thermoelectric cooling system. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system further includes a fan configured to circulate air within the drawer. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system further includes a fan configured to exhaust heat from the thermoelectric cooling unit and create an airflow under or around the insulation of the drawer. In some embodiments, at least some of the compartments are defined by perforated walls that allow circulating air to pass through the walls and compartments. In some embodiments, the lids of at least some of the compartments whose walls are perforated include downward ribs that project into the compartment when the lid is closed. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a computerized controller coupled to the drawer, the controller controlling access to the drawer. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a temperature probe within the drawer, the temperature probe providing a signal indicative of the temperature within the drawer to the computerized controller. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more actuators controllable by a computerized controller and coupled to respective lids of the one or more compartments; The actuator is located outside the interior of the drawer defined by insulation on the sides of the drawer and insulation underneath one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the device further comprises magnetic latches in at least some of the compartments, the magnetic latches being controlled by the computerized controller to lock and unlock the lids of the respective compartments. In some embodiments, each of the magnetic latches includes a permanent magnet fixed to the lid of the respective compartment and an electromagnet fixed to the wall of the compartment such that the permanent magnet contacts the electromagnet when the lid is closed. and the controller unlocks the compartment by passing a current through the electromagnet so that the electromagnet repels the permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators include one or more solenoids. In some embodiments, the device further comprises one or more sensors configured to sense the position of the lid of each of the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, each of the sensors is positioned outside the interior of the drawer defined by insulation on the sides of the drawer and insulation beneath the one or more compartments and on its respective lid. Combined. In some embodiments, each of the sensors is coupled to its respective lid via a linkage that passes through the insulation of the drawer. In some embodiments, each of the sensors is coupled to its respective lid via a sheathed cable that passes through the insulation of the drawer. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more lights respectively corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, the controller indicating that a particular compartment is to be accessed. Once determined, it is configured to actuate one of the actuators corresponding to the particular compartment to unlock the particular compartment and illuminate one of the lights corresponding to the particular compartment. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an override mechanism accessible from outside the drawer, the override mechanism actuating one or more actuators to manually unlock one or more of the compartments. move mechanically. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric cooling system comprises a closed cooling loop containing a heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid is maintained at a pressure such that its boiling point is approximately the desired temperature inside the drawer. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid is maintained at a pressure such that its boiling point is between 2°C and 8°C. The heat transfer fluid may be carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric cooling system including a closed cooling loop and a heat transfer fluid forms a heat pipe that operates by natural convection.

According to another aspect, a drawer includes an outer shell, thermal insulation defining a temperature-controlled interior of the drawer, and a thermoelectric cooling system located in a sidewall of the drawer. A thermoelectric cooling system is configured to maintain the interior of the drawer at a lower temperature than the temperature of the environment surrounding the drawer. The drawer has a set of walls defining one or more compartments within the temperature controlled interior of the drawer, one or more lids covering the one or more compartments, and for receiving power and control signals. and one or more coupled to the one or more lids for locking and unlocking the one or more compartments in response to control signals received via the electrical interface. actuator. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators are located outside the temperature controlled interior of the drawer. In some embodiments, the drawer further comprises one or more lights corresponding to one or more compartments, the lights responsive to control signals received via the electrical interface. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system is configured to circulate cooled air inside the drawer. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric cooling system includes a closed cooling loop that includes a heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid is carbon dioxide maintained at a pressure such that its boiling point is between 2°C and 8°C.

1 shows a distribution cabinet in which the invention may be embodied; FIG. 1 shows a portable dispensing device in which the present invention may be embodied; FIG. FIG. 2 is a front top perspective view of a drawer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a rear top perspective view of the drawer of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a top exploded view of the drawer of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a bottom exploded view of the drawer of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the drawer of Figure 3 with the bottom cover removed; 4 is a top rear perspective view of the drawer of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a partial view of the cabinet of FIG. 1 with insulation panels in place according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the cabinet of FIG. 1 with insulation panels in place according to embodiments of the present invention; 4 is a top perspective view of the drawer of FIG. 3 with many components removed to reveal the mechanism for achieving computer control of access to individual storage bins within the drawer according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. is. Figure 12 shows a portion of Figure 11 in more detail; Figure 4 shows the compartment lid of the drawer of Figure 3 in an open position according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a top rear perspective view of the drawer of FIG. 3 with some components removed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 14; Figure 4 illustrates the attachment of insulation panels to the drawer of Figure 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 illustrates an override mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 shows a portion of Figure 17 in more detail; FIG. 2 illustrates a basic thermoelectric module according to embodiments of the invention; 20 illustrates a cooling unit including the thermoelectric module of FIG. 19 according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 21 illustrates a drawer using the thermoelectric cooling unit of FIG. 20 to cool the interior of the drawer, according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG. Figure 22 is an exploded view of the drawer of Figure 21; FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a drawer with a cooling system according to another embodiment; FIG. 4 illustrates one method of enabling the opening of a drawer lid in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; Figure 25 shows the system of Figure 24 with one lid open; 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of FIG. 24 in further detail; FIG. FIG. 10 illustrates another technique for locking and unlocking the dispensing drawer lid, according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 28 shows the system of Figure 27 with the lid in the open position; FIG. 10 illustrates a refrigeration drawer according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 30 is a partial underside view of the drawer of Figure 29; FIG. 10 illustrates a refrigeration drawer according to another embodiment of the invention; FIG. 10 illustrates how two actuators can be attached to the outside of the drawer insulation according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a compartment with a lid and a magnetic latch, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1 shows a distribution cabinet 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Cabinet 100 includes multiple compartments including drawers 101a, 101b, and 107, and compartments accessible through doors 102a and 102b. Distribution cabinet 100 also includes a computerized controller 103 and one or more data entry devices such as keyboard 104 and keypad 105 . A display 106 allows communication of information to a user of the distribution cabinet 100 . According to embodiments of the present invention, drawer 107 includes a refrigeration system, as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the distribution cabinet may also contain other devices.

Devices embodying the invention may be used in a variety of applications, but embodiments may be particularly useful in the medical field. For example, dispensing cabinet 100 can hold medications or medical supplies and can facilitate accurate dispensing and tracking of medications or other medical supplies.

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

Various storage compartments such as drawers 101 a , 101 b and 107 may be under control of controller 103 . For example, each of drawers 101 a , 101 b , and 107 may include an electronically controllable locking mechanism and may be openable only under the control of controller 103 . Additionally, the controller 103 can store information about which supplies are stored in which compartments of the medication storage cabinet 100 . In one typical basic use scenario, a healthcare professional uses the keyboard 104 or another input device to indicate that she is under her care and needs medication during her current round. Patient identification may be entered. The controller 103 can access the patient's medical file and determine what medications have been prescribed for the patient. Controller 103 may then only allow access to the drawer or drawers containing medications prescribed for the patient. A particular compartment, such as a bottle in an appropriate drawer, can be highlighted, for example, with a lighted indicator to draw medical personnel to the appropriate medication. The healthcare worker can then retrieve the patient's prescribed medication. The level of control exercised by controller 103 can help prevent medication and medication errors by reducing the likelihood that healthcare workers will retrieve the wrong medication from medication dispensing cabinet 100 . In addition, controller 103 can document and record which medications have been dispensed and transfer that information to inventory and accounting systems via wired or wireless electronic networks.

Many other features and functions are also possible. For example, a healthcare worker can also enter their identity and the controller 103 can only provide access to medications and supplies that the worker is authorized to access.

Although drug dispensing cabinet 100 is shown as a stationary device, the invention is not so limited. Cabinets according to other embodiments may be portable, for example, to facilitate transportation of medications and supplies from a central supply store to specific wards or departments of an institution. It will be appreciated that the particular placement of drawers, doors, or other features of cabinets according to embodiments of the invention may be varied. For example, some cabinets or dispensing carts embodying the invention may use only drawers. Many different sizes and styles of compartments can be used depending on the size of the materials to be dispensed and the level of security they require.

Cabinets embodying the invention may include guides or attachment mechanisms that are spaced apart by standardized distances, and different drawers may span different multiples of the spacing distance. A drawer that spans only one spacing distance may be referred to as a "single" height drawer. A drawer that spans two of the spacing distances may be referred to as a "double" height drawer. Triple-height and higher drawers are also possible. Cabinets such as cabinet 100 may be configured with a combination of drawer heights depending on the size of the items to be stored. In the example of FIG. 1, drawer 101b is a single height drawer and drawer 107 is a triple height drawer.

FIG. 2 shows a portable dispensing device 200 that can embody the invention. Preferably, portable dispensing device 200 is capable of performing functions similar to those described above with respect to dispensing cabinet 100 . Dispensing device 200 includes wheels 201 that allow medical personnel to move the device from room to room. Dispensing device 200 includes one or more batteries to power a computerized controller that performs tasks similar to controller 103 described above and to provide power to other functions of dispensing device 200. obtain. In addition, the dispensing device 200 is preferably powered at convenient times to recharge the batteries and to power the device without batteries when the device is in a particular location for a period of time. It can be connected to mains power. Various input/output devices 202 may be provided and may be specifically adapted for portability, eg, to minimize power consumption. The dispensing device 200 also includes multiple drawers 203 of varying heights. Each drawer 203 may include visual indicators 204 for directing the user to a particular drawer 203, as described in more detail below. One or more of drawers 203 may include a refrigeration system according to embodiments of the present invention. Other drawers in cabinet 100 may not be refrigerated.

Additional types of dispensing units that may embody the present invention or include features usable in embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the following commonly owned U.S. patents and patent applications: Aug. 7, 2001; U.S. Patent No. 6,272,394 issued to Lipps on May 7, 2002; U.S. Patent No. 6,385,505 issued to Lipps on May 7, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,760,643, U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,455 issued Sep. 8, 1998 to Lipps, U.S. Pat. No. 6,609 issued Aug. 19, 2003 to Lipps. , 047, U.S. Patent No. 5,805,456 issued September 8, 1998 to Highham et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,745,366 issued April 28, 1998 to Highham et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,905,653 issued May 18, 1999 to Highham et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,927,540 issued July 27, 1999 to Godlewski; U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,467 to Holmes et al., Oct. 28, 2003; U.S. Pat. U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,536 issued Jan. 3, 1995 to Blechl et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,864 issued Mar. 2, 1993 to Blechl 5,190,185; U.S. Pat. No. 6,975,922 issued Dec. 13, 2005 to Duncan et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,571 issued Aug. 4, 2009 to Duncan et al. , 024, U.S. Pat. No. 7,835,819 issued Nov. 16, 2010 to Duncan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,999 issued Jan. 4, 2000 to Holmes, 2008. U.S. Patent No. 7,348,884 issued March 25, 2001 to Highham; U.S. Patent No. 7,675,421 issued March 9, 2010 to Highham; U.S. Patent No. 6,170,929 issued to Wilson et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,126,590 issued to Vahlberg et al. on Feb. 28, 2012; No. 8,280,550 to Paydar et al., and US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0203377 to Paydar et al., published Aug. 9, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. incorporated.

FIG. 3 shows a front top perspective view of drawer 107 in more detail, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drawer 107 has a front side 301 , a rear side 302 , a right side 303 and a left side 304 as viewed from the front side 301 . The front side 301 is the side that appears at the front of the cabinet when the drawer 107 is installed in the cabinet and is the side from which the user accesses the drawer 107 . The drawer 107 is designed to attach the drawer 107 to a cabinet, such as the cabinet 100, so that the drawer can be slid open (toward the front side 301) and closed (with the drawer 107 substantially completely within the cabinet). An enabling guide 305 may be included. The one or more fascia strips 306 provide a decorative appearance to the front of the drawer 107 and may provide undercut handles for a user to grasp when opening the drawer 107, discussed in more detail below. It may include other features as described.

A front portion 307 of drawer 107 includes a plurality of compartments, which are covered by lids 308 in FIG. Rear portion 309 houses the components of the refrigeration system, which are described in more detail below.

4 shows a rear top perspective view of drawer 107. FIG. A mechanical latch 401 can be provided that can interact with the cabinet 100 . For example, controller 103 may control latches such that drawer 107 is only allowed to be opened if a worker requesting access to drawer 107 provides appropriate credentials. The lid 308 may be similarly controllable so that only storage locations holding necessary medications or supplies can be opened by the practitioner.

Various electrical connectors 402 may be provided to which cables (not shown) may be attached so that drawer 107 may receive power from cabinet 100 and communicate with controller 103 .

5 and 6 show top and bottom exploded views of drawer 107, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The interior of drawer 107 is essentially surrounded by insulation, including side insulation panels 501 , rear insulation panels 502 , front insulation panels 503 and bottom insulation panels 504 . Insulation panels 501-504 may be formed of any suitable insulation material, such as moldable foam insulation such as polyisocyanurate, polystyrene, polyurethane, or another type of insulation. Although four different insulation panels are shown, the insulation may be formed by more or fewer different segments. For example, front insulation panel 503 may be integrally molded with bottom insulation panel 504 . Other combinations are also possible. (Insulation for the top surface of drawer 107 is discussed below.)
Compartment 505 is within the chamber formed by insulating panels 501-504. Compartments 505 may be made of any suitable material and defined by partitions formed by any suitable process, but are conveniently molded from a polymer such as polycarbonate, ABS, another polymer, or a blend of polymers. good too. In other embodiments, compartment 505 may be made from metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable metal. The compartments 505 may be integrally formed from a single piece of material, or may be separate from each other and arranged in the drawer 107 in any viable combination. Compartment 505 is covered with lid 308 .

Evaporator 506 is positioned between compartment 505 and bottom insulation panel 504 . Evaporator 506 is part of the refrigeration system integrated into drawer 107 . The evaporator 506 can be, for example, roll-bonded two metal sheets marked with a pattern of channels, and then expand the channels to form a network or serpentine path through the channels for refrigerant flow. It can be a roll bond evaporator formed by Evaporator 506 absorbs heat energy from the interior of drawer 107 due to its low temperature and transports it outside the interior of drawer 107 to cool the interior of drawer 107 , including compartment 505 .

Other components of the refrigeration system include compressor 507 and condenser 508, along with expansion valves (not shown). These parts form the components that implement a conventional refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration system preferably uses refrigerants that are free of chlorinated fluorocarbons (CFCs).

The fan 509 draws air through the condenser 508 after the refrigerant is heated by the evaporator 506 and compressed by the compressor 507 to cool the refrigerant and release heat energy to the outside of the cabinet 100 .

A glycol bottle 510 may be provided, which can fit in a special compartment 511 inside the drawer 107 with its own lid 512 . Preferably, a temperature sensor is submerged in the glycol in the bottle 510 and connected to the controller 103 so that the controller 103 can monitor the temperature inside the drawer 107 . The glycol serves to buffer the sensor from sudden fluctuations in apparent temperature that can be caused, for example, by the opening of drawer 107 from cabinet 100 . In some embodiments, the controller 103 can signal the refrigeration system to cycle on and off based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

FIG. 7 shows an underside perspective view of drawer 107 with the bottom cover removed to expose bottom insulation panel 504 . In this exemplary embodiment, the bottom insulating panel 504 has funnel-shaped air channels 701 molded therein. A bottom panel (not shown) forms the remaining surface of the air flow channel 701 when the drawer 107 is fully assembled. Air may enter the air channel 701 through an opening in the front side of the drawer 107 , for example, an opening hidden in one of the fascia pieces 306 . The funnel shape of air channel 701 directs air to condenser 508 under the thrust of fan 509 (not visible in FIG. 7). After flowing through the condenser 508, the air is exhausted to the environment at the rear of the cabinet 100. FIG.

This airflow arrangement serves multiple purposes. First, it provides chilled air to the condenser 508 to cool the refrigerant of the refrigeration system as part of the refrigeration cycle. Air is exhausted from the rear of the cabinet 100 rather than the front, which may be preferred for user comfort. And second, the airflow under the insulation panel 504 allows condensation that may form under the insulation panel 504 to evaporate and drain. The standoffs 702 can hold the rear cover away from the insulation panel 504 and allow at least a small amount of air 703 to flow substantially all over the underside of the insulation panel 504 .

FIG. 8 shows a top rear perspective view of drawer 107, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 4 with the addition of a top insulating panel 801 . Top insulation panel 801 may be shaped and sized to slide into an open recess left in the top of drawer 107 by other components. For example, the top insulation panel 801 may fit between the tops of the side insulation panels 501 and contact the front insulation panel 503 when the top insulation panel 801 is fully installed over the drawer 107 . Top insulation panel 801 may contact rear insulation panel 502 (not visible in FIG. 8) such that the interior of drawer 107 is substantially encased in insulation. Top insulation panel 108 is preferably attached to cabinet 100 such that top insulation panel 801 remains within cabinet 100 when drawer 107 is opened, so as not to block access to the drawer 107 compartment. When the drawer 107 is closed, the top insulating panel 801 automatically covers the drawer 107 again.

In other embodiments, the top insulation panel 801 can move with the drawer 107 when the drawer 107 is opened, and the user simply slides the top insulation panel 801 back toward the cabinet 100 to open the drawer. 107 can be accessed.

The top insulation panel 801 may be made of any suitable material, for example a material similar to or different from the material of the other insulation panels.
FIG. 9 shows a partial view of cabinet 100 with insulation panel 801 in place above drawer 107 . The drawer directly above drawer 107 has been removed. The insulation panel 801 remains in place when the drawer 107 is opened and closed so that the interior of the drawer 107 is accessible when the drawer 107 is open, but completely closed when the drawer 107 is closed. Insulated. In the example of FIG. 9, bracket 901 holds insulation panel 801 in place within cabinet 100 and drawer 107 slides under insulation panel 801 . However, other arrangements are possible.

For example, FIG. 10 shows another embodiment in which insulation panels 801 are slidably captured within grooves 1001 in the sides of drawer 107 . Insulation panel 801 may be attached to the back wall of cabinet 100 such that insulation panel 801 does not slide out of cabinet 100 when drawer 107 is opened. In other embodiments, insulation panel 801 may simply be pushed back by the user to expose the interior of drawer 107 when drawer 107 is open.

Because the interior of drawer 107 is cold, it may be desirable to keep electronic and electromechanical components as far away from the interior of drawer 107 as possible to avoid potential cold induced problems. For example, FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view of the top of drawer 107 with many components removed to reveal the mechanism for achieving computer control of access to the individual storage bins of drawer 107. . FIG. 12 shows a portion of FIG. 11 in more detail. In this example, lid 1101 includes lever 1102 configured to rotate with lid 1101 about axis 1103 . In the position shown, blade 1104 connected to the armature of solenoid 1105 prevents rotation of lever 1102 and thus lid 1101 . In this state, the bin under lid 1101 is locked.

However, when solenoid 1105 is energized, eg, under the control of controller 103, blade 1104 is retracted, allowing lever 1102 and lid 1101 to rotate to the open position. FIG. 13 shows lid 1101 in the open position. For example, a user can use finger pull 1301 to lift lid 1101 when solenoid 1105 releases the lid. When the user has finished accessing the bin under lid 1101, the user can simply push lid 1101 back to the closed position. Lever 1102 interacts with the angled top of blade 1104 to deflect blade 1104 downward and allow lever 1102 to pass. Once lever 1102 has passed blade 1104, blade 1104 can return to its normal upper position under the action of a spring (not visible in FIG. 13) to lock lid 1101 in the closed position.

Solenoid 1105 is but one example of the type of actuator that may be used to control access to the compartments of drawer 107, other types of actuators such as magnetic actuators, motors with suitable linkages, or other types of actuators may be used.

The architecture of drawer 107 may at least partially protect solenoid 1105 and its drive electronics from the cold environment within drawer 107 . 14 shows a top rear perspective view of drawer 107 with some components removed, and FIG. 15 shows an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. A printed circuit board 1401 is attached to the side 1402 of the drawer 107 . A plurality of solenoids 1105 are mounted on circuit board 1401 and connected via connectors 1501 to other circuitry (not shown) and ultimately to controller 103 . A similar component may also be attached to the inner surface of the opposite side 1403 of drawer 107, but is not visible in FIG.

A plurality of sensors 1502 may be provided to provide positive feedback when lever 1102 of one of lids 308 is in the closed position. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) 1503 may be present to visually indicate the status of a particular compartment through a light pipe 1504 that extends over the top of drawer 107 and may be controllable by controller 103 .

With the printed circuit board 1401 containing the solenoid 1105 in place, the insulation of the drawer 107 can be put in place as shown in FIG. For example, side insulation panel 501 includes a plurality of recesses 1601 for accommodating printed circuit board 1401 and components thereon, including solenoid 1105 . With the side insulating panels 501 in place in the drawer 107 , the printed circuit board 1401 and its associated components are placed outside the refrigerated interior of the drawer 107 . The various slots 1602 in the insulation panel 501 provide access to the components on the circuit board 1401 and are as small as possible so as not to impair the insulation effectiveness of the insulation panel 501 more than necessary.

In some embodiments, a manual override mechanism is provided to manually unlock the drawer 107 compartment without relying on the controller 103 . This feature can be useful, for example, during power outages or other occasions when the controller 103 cannot open the compartment. Figures 17 and 18 show an example of an override mechanism. Override plate 1701 fits under insulation (not shown) at the bottom of drawer 107 and includes risers 1702 on the side of drawer 107 corresponding to solenoid 1105 . Riser 1702 may extend into the temperature controlled interior of drawer 107 and pass through slits in the lower insulation panel. Override plate 1701 may be accessible from the bottom of drawer 107 . For example, a user can insert a finger through hole 1703 in bottom plate 1704 of drawer 107 to actuate override plate 1701 against spring 1705 .

As best seen in FIG. 18, when the override plate 1701 is activated, the tilt mechanism 1801 of each riser 1702 interacts with the pin 1802 on the armature 1803 of the corresponding solenoid 1105 to pull the armature 1803 and blade 1104 downward. . With the blade 1104 retracted, the corresponding lid is unlocked as described above and shown in FIG.

In another embodiment, the dispensing apparatus uses a thermoelectric refrigeration system rather than a refrigeration system with a compressor and condenser as described above.
FIG. 19 shows a basic thermoelectric module 1900. FIG. A plurality of columns 1901 are made of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductors. Columns 1901 are electrically connected in series between electrodes 1902 and thermally in parallel between hot side plate 1903 and cold side plate 1904 . When a DC voltage is applied to electrode 1902 , heat is transferred from cold side plate 1904 to hot side plate 1903 , cooling cold side plate 1904 and warming hot side plate 1903 . Plates 1903 and 1904 are made of thermally conductive material. Module 1900 can be used alone or in combination with other similar modules to cool or heat a space. Thermoelectric cooling has the advantage that no moving parts are required. A thermoelectric module such as module 1900 may be capable of transporting up to about 15-30 watts or more of heat per square inch (645.16 square millimeters) of the module, measured at zero temperature difference.

FIG. 20 shows a cooling unit 2000 according to an embodiment of the invention for cooling the space 2001 on one side of the panel 2002. FIG. A plurality of thermoelectric modules 1900 are sandwiched in thermal contact between a finned cold side heat sink 2003 and a finned hot side heat sink 2004 . The thermoelectric module 1900 is arranged to transfer heat from the cold side heat sink 2003 to the hot side heat sink 2004 and is energized, thereby cooling the cold side heat sink 2003 . Cold-side fan 2005 is configured to force air from cooled space 2001 onto the fins of cold-side heat sink 2003 . The air is cooled by contact with the cold side heat sink 2003 (which is cooled by the thermoelectric module 1900 ), exhausts through the fins of the cold side heat sink 2003 and returns to the cooled space 2001 . Therefore, the air in the cooled space 2001 is further cooled.

Hot-side fan 2006 is configured to draw air from the fins of hot-side heat sink 2004 . The air is heated by contact with the hot side heat sink 2004 and exhausted through the fins of the hot side heat sink 2004 into the hot side space of the system.

It will be appreciated that the direction of airflow through either or both fans 2005 and 2006 can be reversed from that shown in FIG.
FIG. 21 shows a drawer 2100 using a thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 to cool the interior of the drawer, according to an embodiment of the invention. Drawer 2100 is similar in many respects to drawer 107 described above in that drawer 2100 is configured to be inserted into a dispensing cabinet, such as dispensing cabinet 100 . The drawer 2100 has multiple compartments for storing items, the compartments being covered by individually lockable lids 2101 . Any suitable number of compartments may be provided, depending on the size of drawer 2100 and the size of the items to be stored in drawer 2100 . The compartments may be of different sizes or they may all be the same size.

FIG. 22 shows an exploded view of drawer 2100 . The interior of drawer 2100 is preferably lined with thermal insulation 2201 to reduce the amount of energy required to cool the interior space. Thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 is attached to any convenient wall of drawer 2100, in this example back wall 2202. FIG. Thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 draws its power from the electronics (not shown) in drawer 2100 and ultimately draws its power from cabinet 100 . Thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 is arranged to transport heat from the interior of drawer 2100 to the space outside drawer 2100 . The fans of the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 circulate the air within the drawer 2100 to cool the interior of the drawer 2100 and provide airflow to the outer heat sinks of the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 to expel heat to the exterior of the drawer 2100. do the work

In some embodiments, the fans of the cooling unit 2000 outside the drawer 2100 are positioned, ducted, or otherwise configured to provide airflow under or around the insulated space of the drawer 2100. can be configured. For example, in addition to providing airflow over the heat sink of the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000, the fan provides airflow under the insulated space of the drawer 2100 similar to the airflow shown in FIG. can help prevent condensation on the bottom of the drawer 2100. 29 and 30 show an embodiment in which the cooling unit 2000 is enclosed in a shroud 2901 that is connected at its lower end 2902 to the plenum 3001 below the insulation 2201. FIG. An external fan of cooling unit 2000 produces airflow 2903 out of shroud 2901 . FIG. 30 shows an underside view of drawer 2100 with the bottom cover removed. As seen in FIGS. 29 and 30, airflow 2903 passes under insulation 2201 and then is ducted upwardly to shroud 2901 and out to the ambient environment.

Any other suitable configuration may be used to create an airflow under or around the insulated space of drawer 2100 . For example, in other embodiments, two separate fans may be provided, one to generate airflow under or around the insulated space and one to heat the cooling unit 2000. is for discharging

Referring again to FIG. 22, compartments 2203 are separately enclosed. In the example of drawer 2100, compartments 2203 are molded into unit 2204, but any suitable method of defining individual compartment spaces may be used. The walls of compartment 2203 may be perforated with openings, such as opening 2205 , so that air can circulate within drawer 2100 through the walls and compartment. The underside of lid 2101 may include downward ribs 2206 that project into the compartment when lid 2101 is closed. Ribs 2206 thus prevent complete filling of compartment 2203 . The top of the compartment remains substantially open to allow airflow across the drawer 2100 .

As with other embodiments, a temperature sensor in drawer 2100 preferably provides a signal indicative of the temperature of drawer 2100 to a controller, such as controller 103 . The temperature sensor can be submerged in a glycol bottle or other buffer if desired. Controller 103 can cycle power to thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 as needed to maintain an essentially constant temperature within drawer 2100 .

A drawer embodying the invention may be used for any purpose, but may be particularly suitable for storing vaccines. US federal guidelines specify that vaccines should be stored at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C.

The configurations of Figures 21 and 22 can have several beneficial aspects. For example, thermoelectric cooling systems are easy to install and operate, have no moving parts other than a fan, and contain no liquids that can leak and cause damage in the event of a failure. In addition, the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 is smaller than the compressor-based systems described above, so a thermoelectrically-cooled drawer is more efficient than a comparably sized drawer cooled using a compressor-based system. It can have a large storage capacity.

FIG. 23 shows an exploded view of a drawer 2300 with a cooling system according to another embodiment. Drawer 2300 includes a thermoelectric cooling unit 2301 similar to thermoelectric cooling unit 2000, but without fans in drawer 2300. FIG. Rather than cooling the drawer interior with circulated cooling air, the drawer 2300 includes a cooling loop 2302 filled with a heat transfer fluid. For example, the refrigeration loop 2302 may be copper or copper filled with carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) at a pressure such that the boiling point of carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) is approximately at or slightly below the desired temperature inside the drawer 2300 . It can be a closed loop of other tubes. In some embodiments, the pressure of _CO2 in cooling loop 2302 may be about 40 bar (about 40 atmospheres), such that the boiling point of _CO2 is about 5°C. Thus, cooling loop 2302 can form a passive heat pipe cooler.

When the CO ₂ is cooled in the thermoelectric cooling unit ₂₃₀₁ (via a suitable heat exchanger), it condenses and falls by gravity into a loop located on the floor of the drawer 2300 . As the CO ₂ circulates through the drawer 2300 , the CO ₂ absorbs heat from the interior of the drawer 2300 and boils, cooling the interior of the drawer 2300 . Gaseous CO ₂ rises again towards the thermoelectric cooling unit 2301 where it is cooled again to continue the cycle. As with other embodiments, a temperature sensor within the drawer 2300 can provide a signal indicative of the temperature within the drawer 2300 so that the controller can cycle the thermoelectric cooling unit 2301 on and off to A desired temperature can be maintained.

Although slightly more complex than the drawer 2100 air cooling system described above, the drawer 2300 system can have certain advantages. For example, because it does not rely on air circulation throughout the drawer 2300, the compartment 2303 does not need to be pierced and can be filled to a higher level, resulting in less dead space and greater drawer 2300 capacity. Thus, lids 2304 may not need ribs on their bottom surface to prevent complete filling of compartment 2303 .

Other cooling fluids may be used, but _CO2 or similar substances, if leaked in the system, will only release a harmless gas to the atmosphere and are therefore stored in the electronics or drawer 2300 of the containment cabinet. It may have the advantage of not damaging the material to which it is applied. Also, the placement of cooling loops 2302 at the bottom of drawer 2300 is only one example of a suitable loop placement. In other embodiments, cooling loop 2302 may include lines that pass between compartments 2303, lines along the sides of drawer 2300, or lines that pass through another location or combination of locations. In some embodiments, cooling loop 2302 may be formed as a rollbond unit similar to evaporator 506 described above.

Regardless of how drawers according to embodiments of the present invention are cooled, it may be noted during drawer design that condensation may exist on cold surfaces at or near the drawer. Condensation tends to form on cold, air-exposed surfaces and can be detrimental to electronics, electromechanical actuators, or other electrical or mechanical components. Preferably, the insulation surrounding the drawer interior is sufficiently insulative so that its outer surface remains above the dew point of the ambient atmosphere. In that case, any circuit boards, electromechanical actuators, or other electrical or mechanical components outside the cooled space should have minimal cold air leakage or other insulation gaps. As long as it remains substantially safe against condensation.

However, a lid such as lid 2101 or 2304 must necessarily operate in a cooled space and must operate automatically. Embodiments of the present invention place any electromechanical actuator outside the cooled space and couple the actuator to the lid within the cooled space, preferably in a manner that minimizes leakage of cold air. measures are taken.

FIG. 24 illustrates one method of enabling opening of a lid within a drawer according to embodiments of the present invention. Some supporting structures, wiring, etc. have been omitted from the figure for clarity. In this example, an actuator such as solenoid 2401 may be positioned outside of cooled space 2402 defined by insulation 2403 . Each solenoid 2401 is electrically actuated in response to a signal from a controller and has a plunger 2404 associated with a linear potentiometer 2405 . In the “locked” position, plunger 2404 extends from solenoid 2401 and prevents movement of slider 2406 of linear potentiometer 2405 . Linkage 2407 connects slider 2406 to lever 2408 of lid 2409 . Lid 2409 cannot be opened if movement of slider 2406 is blocked.

FIG. 25 shows the system of FIG. 24 with lid 2409 open. The plunger 2404 of the solenoid 2401 has been retracted by the action of the solenoid 2401, releasing the slider 2406 so that when the user lifts the lid 2409, it can be moved by the linkage 2407. A signal from linear potentiometer 2405 indicating that lid 2409 is open can be sent to the controller.

Each lid can be provided with a similar solenoid-potentiometer-linkage arrangement. In this configuration, solenoid 2401 and potentiometer 2405 remain outside cooled space 2402 and are therefore substantially protected from possible condensation. Since only the link mechanism 2407 penetrates the heat insulating material 2403, the opening of the heat insulating material 2403 is small and does not greatly affect the heat insulating effect of the heat insulating material 2403.

A linear potentiometer 2405 may have the advantage of being able to indicate the precise state of the associated lid, eg, the extent to which the lid is open. In other embodiments, a simple light interrupter or other simple binary indicator of whether the lid is open or closed may be used.

FIG. 26 shows the solenoid arrangement of FIG. 24 in further detail. The ramp 2601 of each plunger 2404 allows the slider 2406 to push the plunger 2404 back into the solenoid 2401 when the corresponding lid is closed, latching the lid closed. Additionally, a manual release lever 2602 may be provided on each solenoid that allows the user to override (override) the lid locking mechanism and manually open the lid in the event of a power failure or other failure. can. Manual release lever 2602 may preferably be accessible from outside drawer 2300 .

FIG. 27 illustrates another technique for locking and unlocking dispensing drawer lids, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Rather than using a mechanical linkage with rigid parts, the system of Figure 27 uses sheathed cables 2701 to connect the lid 2409 to the other components of the system. Jacketed cable 2701 includes jacket 2702 , which penetrates insulation 2403 and can be secured to insulation 2403 . Jacketed cable 2701 also includes a moveable inner wire or cable 2703 that can move axially within jacket 2702 . The jacketed cable 2701 can be of the type often used for bicycle shifter and brake cables. In FIG. 27, lid 2409 is in the closed position. A stop 2704 on the cable 2703 is held behind the plunger 2404 of the solenoid 2401 thus preventing the lid 2409 from opening. The end of cable 2703 is wrapped around capstan 2705 , which is connected to constant force spring 2706 and rotary encoder 2707 . A constant force spring 2706 maintains tension on cable 2703 and holds lid 2409 in its closed position.

Upon receiving a command to unlock lid 2409 , solenoid 2401 is energized to retract plunger 2404 . The user can then lift the lid 2409 against the tension of the constant force spring 2706 and remove the desired item from the compartment under the lid 2409 . The encoder 2707 can send a signal to the controller indicating the position of the capstan 2705 and thus also the position of the lid 2409 . In other embodiments, simple optoisolators or other binary sensors may be used. An encoder such as encoder 207 may have the advantage that the encoder reading of the closed position of the lid can be recorded after each use, such as when the drawer is moved back inside the cabinet. In this manner, drift or other effects from cable length can be accommodated, eg, in firmware.

Figure 28 shows the system of Figure 27 with the lid 2409 in the open position. Plunger 2404 of solenoid 2401 is retracted, allowing stop 2704 to pass plunger 2404 when lid 2409 is opened. A portion of cable 2703 is not wrapped around capstan 2705 . Spring 2706 helps retract cable 2703 when the user closes lid 2409 . A stop 2704 can rest behind the plunger 2404 and prevent the lid 2409 from opening until another actuation of the solenoid 2401 . Preferably, each lid 2409 has a mechanical detent that holds the lid in its open position despite tension induced in cable 2703 by spring 2706 .

Although only one solenoid 2401 and sheathed cable 2701 are shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, it will be appreciated that a similar arrangement could be provided for any lockable lid of a dispensing drawer. Additionally, support structures, fasteners, and other items have been omitted from FIGS. 27 and 28 for clarity of illustration.

27 and 28 using a jacketed cable such as jacketed cable 2701 does not require the jacket 2702 to move relative to the insulation 2403 and therefore can be tightly sealed against the insulation 2403. can have advantages. Additionally, the flexibility of sheathed cable 2701 may provide design freedom in the placement of other components, such as solenoids 2401 or other actuators.

FIG. 31 shows an exploded view of a refrigeration drawer 3100 according to another embodiment of the invention. In some of the above embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, individual actuators are positioned along each of the drawer compartments. This causes the compartments to be spaced apart from one another in the fore-and-aft direction of the drawer, leaving unused space between the compartments, as seen in FIG. The use of remote actuators of the type shown in FIG. 24 or FIG. 27 allows the compartments to be closer together, resulting in more available within the drawer 3100 compared to some other embodiments. storage space can be obtained.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 31, the bins are formed by trays 3101 having simple thin partitions 3102 . The divider 3102 may slide into a groove or notch 3106 in the tray 3101 or may be otherwise arranged. Partition 3102 may be permanently affixed to tray 3101, such as by solvent bonding or a permanent snap fit, or it may be removable. In other embodiments, the tray 3101 may be formed with integral partitions, such as by injection molding.

Tray 3101 and partition 3102 may preferably be perforated with openings, such as opening 3103, so that air can circulate within drawer 3100 and through the walls of tray 3101 and compartments. Lid 3104 of drawer 3100 may include downward ribs 3105 that project into the compartment when lid 3104 is closed. Ribs 3105 thus prevent complete filling of the compartment. The top of the compartment remains substantially open to allow airflow across the drawer 3100.

The lids 3104 may be positioned closer together in the front-to-back direction of the drawer 3100 than some other embodiments. The thinness of divider 3102 allows the resulting compartment in tray 3101 to be larger than in other embodiments, increasing the storage capacity of drawer 3100 .

FIG. 32 shows how two actuators can be attached to the outside of the insulation 3201 of the drawer 3100 to actuate two of the lids 3104 .
In other embodiments, a magnetic latching system may be used on a refrigerated drawer lid. FIG. 33 shows compartment 3301 with lid 3302 . Electromagnet 3303 is attached to one corner of compartment 3301 and permanent magnet 3304 is attached to lid 3302 . When the lid 3302 is closed, a permanent magnet 3304 is placed over and preferably in contact with the electromagnet 3303 . When there is no current through electromagnet 3303 , lid 3302 remains closed due to the magnetic attraction between permanent magnet 3304 and electromagnet 3303 . Permanent magnet 3304 is preferably strong enough that lid 3302 can be considered locked. For example, permanent magnet 3304 may be attracted to electromagnet 3303 with a force of up to 5 pounds (2.268 kilograms) or more, making it difficult to open lid 3302 without tools.

To unlock lid 3302 , a controller such as controller 103 causes current to flow through electromagnet 3303 in a direction that causes a repelling force on permanent magnet 3304 . With sufficient current, the attraction of permanent magnet 3304 to electromagnet 3303 can be overcome and lid 3302 can be easily lifted. In some embodiments, the current level is selected to be slightly less than the current required to completely overcome the attractive force, so that the lid 3302 can be opened with only a small lifting force. In other embodiments, the current is high enough to completely overcome the attractive force between the two magnets and lid 3302 can be opened by the repulsive force of electromagnet 3303 .

In some embodiments, the positions of electromagnet 3303 and permanent magnet 3304 can be reversed. In other embodiments, permanent magnets may not be required. Rather, permanent magnet 3304 can be replaced by a simple plate made of ferromagnetic material and lid 3302 can be locked by passing an electric current through electromagnet 3303 . To unlock the lid 3302 in this configuration, simply stop the current flow. However, while this alternative arrangement may be viable, it has the drawback of always drawing current except when the lid is unlocked. Additionally, the lid can be unlocked in the event of a power failure. In the preferred embodiment of Figure 33, which includes a permanent magnet 3304, the lid is locked by default and does not conduct current when locked.

As noted above, it may be possible to use a tool to force the lid 3302 open from its locked state. Preferably, detection circuitry is provided to detect such intrusions. For example, a Hall effect sensor can be placed near electromagnet 3303 to detect the magnetic field of permanent magnet 3304 when lid 3302 is closed. If the sensor detects that the magnetic field has disappeared (or decreased sufficiently) when the electromagnet 3303 is not energized, it can be assumed that the lid 3302 has been pried open and an alarm or warning can be issued. For example, an audible alarm may be sounded at the cabinet location, or an electronic message may be forwarded via controller 103 to the appropriate contact for investigation.

In other embodiments, electromagnet 3303 may be loosely attached to compartment 3301 so that lid 3302 may be lifted slightly while compartment 3301 remains locked. The permitted movement is preferably sufficient to be detected by any detection circuitry, but not sufficient to allow access to the locked compartment. This feature can be used in a "refill" mode. A user authorized to do so, for example, a pharmacy technician responsible for refilling compartments, can place the cabinet in refill mode. In this mode, lifting one of the lids slightly signals the controller via a sensor that the technician wishes to open that particular compartment for refilling. The controller then unlocks the compartment. This feature allows replenishment technicians to quickly open compartments as needed without having to enter information into the controller. Once restocking is complete, the technician preferably exits the restocking mode, thereby leaving the compartment locked until dispensation of items is properly requested by the user.

The configuration of Figure 33 places at least some electrical or electronic components within the refrigerated space. For example, electromagnet 3303 may be in a refrigerated drawer and mounted on a printed circuit board under compartment 3301 . The substrate may also hold occlusion sensors, lights, or other elements. Preferably, any printed circuit board and associated electronic components are encased in a waterproof conformal coating to avoid deterioration or damage due to condensation.

It should be understood that all possible combinations of the features disclosed herein are also considered disclosed.
The present invention has been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be understood that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (54)

An apparatus for dispensing items, comprising:
a cabinet;
a drawer within the cabinet, the drawer comprising a shell and including one or more compartments for storing items;
A refrigeration system within the drawer, the refrigeration system including a fan, the refrigeration system maintaining the one or more compartments of the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the cabinet. a refrigeration system configured to;
insulation on the sides of said drawer and insulation beneath said one or more compartments, said insulation forming a chamber within said drawer containing said compartments; and said insulation together define an air flow path inside said drawer and between said shell and said insulation , said chamber containing said compartment being separated from said air flow path by said insulation. and wherein the fan moves air through the airflow path. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a computerized controller coupled to said drawer, said controller controlling access to said drawer. further comprising a temperature probe within the drawer, the temperature probe providing a signal indicative of the temperature within the drawer to the computerized controller, the computerized controller providing information regarding the temperature of the drawer; 3. A device according to claim 2, provided to a user of said device. further comprising one or more actuators controllable by said computerized controller and coupled to respective lids of said one or more compartments, said one or more actuators actuating a side of said drawer; 3. The apparatus of claim 2, disposed outside an interior of said drawer defined by insulation in and underlying said one or more compartments. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more actuators comprise one or more solenoids. The one or more actuators are one or more positioned outside an interior of the drawer defined by insulation on the sides of the drawer and insulation beneath the one or more compartments. 5. The device of claim 4, mounted on a printed circuit board of the . further comprising one or more lights respectively corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, the controller determining that a particular compartment is to be accessed,
actuating one of the actuators corresponding to the particular compartment to unlock the particular compartment;
7. The apparatus of claim 6, configured to illuminate one of said lights corresponding to said particular compartment. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an override mechanism accessible from outside the drawer, the override mechanism mechanically moving the one or more actuators to manually unlock the compartment. further comprising an insulation panel within the cabinet, wherein the insulation panel is positioned above the drawer when the drawer is closed and within the cabinet; and the insulation panel is positioned above the drawer when the drawer is open. , residing within the cabinet. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an upper insulating panel coupled to said drawer, said upper insulating panel being slidable relative to said drawer to expose said one or more compartments. The refrigeration system comprises a compressor and condenser located at the rear of the drawer and an evaporator located between the one or more compartments of the drawer and insulation beneath the one or more compartments. 2. The device of claim 1, comprising a vessel. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said evaporator is a roll bond evaporator. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a fan, said fan moving air from outside said drawer through said condenser. The air channel is open to the environment surrounding the cabinet at the front side of the cabinet such that air enters the air channel at the front of the cabinet, and the fan is directed from the rear of the cabinet. 14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said air is exhausted. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the airflow path is at least partially defined within insulation beneath the one or more compartments. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional drawers, at least one of said one or more additional drawers being non-refrigerated. is a drawer,
an outer shell;
insulation defining a temperature controlled interior of the drawer;
A refrigeration system having a compressor and condenser located within said drawer but outside the temperature controlled interior of said drawer, and having an evaporator located within said temperature controlled interior of said drawer. The refrigeration system includes a fan for extracting heat from the refrigeration system and forcing airflow through the interior of the drawer and through an airflow path between the drawer insulation and the outer shell. a refrigeration system configured to produce a
a divider defining one or more compartments within the temperature controlled interior of the drawer, wherein the insulating material forms a chamber containing the one or more compartments;
one or more lids covering the one or more compartments;
an electrical interface for receiving power and control signals;
one or more actuators coupled to the one or more lids for locking and unlocking the one or more compartments in response to control signals received via the electrical interface; wherein said chamber containing said compartment is separated from said airflow path by said insulation . 18. A drawer according to claim 17, wherein the one or more actuators are located outside the temperature controlled interior of the drawer. 18. The drawer of claim 17, further comprising one or more lights corresponding to said one or more compartments, said lights being responsive to control signals received via said electrical interface. an air intake at the front of said drawer;
a fan for drawing air into the air inlet, through the air passage, through the condenser, and out the rear side of the drawer, wherein the air passage is in the drawer. 18. A drawer according to claim 17, disposed at least partially within an insulating panel below the temperature controlled interior. 21. The drawer of claim 20, wherein the air intake is hidden within a handle on the front side of the drawer. is a drawer,
an outer shell;
insulation defining an insulated interior of the drawer and forming a chamber ;
an air intake on the first side of the drawer; and
an air outlet on the second side of the drawer; and
a fan, wherein the fan draws air into the air inlet and forces air out of the air outlet, between the air inlet and the air outlet, the air being at least partially defined by the insulation. and flow through an air flow path located between said insulation and said shell , wherein a chamber formed by said insulation is separated from said air flow path by said insulation . 23. The drawer of claim 22, further comprising a refrigeration system cooling an insulated interior of the drawer, wherein the fan forces air from outside the drawer to flow through a condenser of the refrigeration system. 23. The drawer of claim 22, wherein the first side of the drawer is the front of the drawer and the air intake is hidden within a handle on the front side of the drawer. An apparatus for dispensing items, comprising:
a cabinet;
a drawer within the cabinet, the drawer comprising a shell and including one or more compartments for storing items;
A cooling system within the drawer, the cooling system including a fan, the cooling system maintaining the one or more compartments of the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the cabinet. a cooling system configured to:
insulation on the sides of said drawer and insulation beneath said one or more compartments , said insulation forming a chamber containing said compartment, said drawer and said insulation comprising: together define an air flow path within the drawer and between the outer shell and the insulation , the chamber containing the compartment being separated from the air flow path by the insulation, and The device, wherein the fan moves air through the air flow path. 26. The apparatus of Claim 25, wherein the cooling system includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said cooling system is a thermoelectric cooling system. 28. The apparatus of Claim 27, wherein the thermoelectric cooling system further includes a fan configured to circulate air within the drawer. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the fan is configured to exhaust heat from a thermoelectric cooling unit and induce an airflow under or around insulation of the drawer. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein at least some of said compartments are partially defined by perforated walls, said perforated walls allowing circulating air to pass through said walls and said compartments. Apparatus as described. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the lids of at least some of the perforated wall compartments include downward ribs that project into the compartments when the lids are closed. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a computerized controller coupled to said drawer, said controller controlling access to said drawer. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a temperature probe within said drawer, said temperature probe providing a signal indicative of temperature within said drawer to said computerized controller. further comprising one or more actuators controllable by said computerized controller and coupled to respective lids of said one or more compartments, said one or more actuators actuating a side of said drawer; 33. The apparatus of claim 32, disposed outside an interior of said drawer defined by insulation in and underlying said one or more compartments. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising magnetic latches on at least some of said compartments, said magnetic latches being controlled by said computerized controller to lock and unlock lids of respective compartments. . each of the magnetic latches includes a permanent magnet fixed to the lid of the respective compartment and an electromagnet fixed to the wall of the compartment such that the permanent magnet contacts the electromagnet when the lid is closed;
36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the controller unlocks the compartment by passing electrical current through the electromagnet to cause the electromagnet to repel the permanent magnet. 35. The apparatus of Claim 34, wherein the one or more actuators comprise one or more solenoids. 35. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising one or more sensors configured to sense the position of lids in each of the one or more compartments. Each of said sensors is positioned outside of an interior of said drawer defined by insulation on the sides of said drawer and insulation beneath said one or more compartments and is coupled to its respective lid. 39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein each of said sensors is coupled to a respective lid via a linkage through insulation of said drawer. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein each of said sensors is coupled to its respective lid via a sheathed cable that passes through insulation of said drawer. further comprising one or more lights respectively corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, the controller determining that a particular compartment is to be accessed,
actuating one of the actuators corresponding to the particular compartment to unlock the particular compartment;
35. The device of claim 34, configured to illuminate one of said lights corresponding to said particular compartment. further comprising an override mechanism accessible from outside the drawer, the override mechanism mechanically moving the one or more actuators to manually unlock one or more of the compartments. 35. Apparatus according to Item 34. 28. The apparatus of Claim 27, wherein the thermoelectric cooling system comprises a closed cooling loop containing a heat transfer fluid. 45. Apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the heat transfer fluid is maintained at a pressure such that its boiling point is approximately the desired temperature inside the drawer. 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein said heat transfer fluid is maintained at a pressure such that its boiling point is between 2[deg.]C and 8[deg.]C. 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein said heat transfer fluid is carbon dioxide. 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the thermoelectric cooling system including the closed cooling loop and the heat transfer fluid forms a heat pipe operating by natural convection. is a drawer,
an outer shell;
insulation defining a temperature controlled interior of the drawer;
a thermoelectric cooling system disposed on a side wall of the drawer and configured to maintain an interior of the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the drawer, the thermoelectric cooling system including a fan;
A set of walls defining one or more compartments within the temperature controlled interior of the drawer, the insulation forming a chamber within the drawer containing the compartments. wall and
one or more lids covering the one or more compartments;
an electrical interface for receiving power and control signals;
one or more actuators coupled to the one or more lids for locking and unlocking the one or more compartments in response to control signals received via the electrical interface; wherein the drawer and the insulation together define an air flow path within the drawer and between the outer shell and the insulation, and the chamber containing the compartment is defined by the insulation to allow the air to pass through. A drawer spaced from the flow path, wherein the fan moves air through the air flow path. 50. The drawer of claim 49, wherein the one or more actuators are located outside the temperature controlled interior of the drawer. 50. The drawer of claim 49, further comprising one or more lights corresponding to said one or more compartments, said lights being responsive to control signals received via said electrical interface. 50. The drawer of claim 49, wherein the thermoelectric cooling system is configured to circulate cooled air inside the drawer. 50. A drawer according to claim 49, wherein said thermoelectric cooling system comprises a closed cooling loop containing a heat transfer fluid. 54. A drawer according to claim 53, wherein the heat transfer fluid is carbon dioxide maintained at a pressure such that its boiling point is between 2[deg.]C and 8[deg.]C.

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