RU2802528C2 - Protected device of reading and issuing objects - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a device for counting and issuing therapeutic objects. The device contains two elements capable of sliding relative to each other: - the first element containing a channel for dispensing items to be counted and dispensed, while the channel passes in the sliding direction, - the second element interacting with the first element to form two gates, limiting in the issuance channel a chamber suitable for accommodating a predetermined number of said items, wherein the said device is characterized in that it is capable of being inserted into a housing containing a control unit and at least one actuator under the control of said control unit, and in that that it contains a lock configured to be moved by an actuator from a closed state, in which said lock partially closes the dispensing channel, to an open state, in which the lock is retracted outside the dispensing channel, and back, while said lock is designed so that changing it state does not affect the position of the object in the camera.

EFFECT: group of inventions provides control dispensing of therapeutic objects.

18 cl, 20 dwg

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The present invention relates to a secure device for counting and dispensing objects.

State of the art

The applicant has developed a device for counting and dispensing items, in particular homeopathic granules, soft capsules, tablets, hard capsules or microgranules, disclosed in document WO 2015/121353.

A device intended for connection to a container containing items to be dispensed contains two elements designed to slide relative to each other:

- the first element containing a channel for issuing items to be counted and issued,

- a second element interacting with the first to form two shutters that limit a chamber in the dispensing channel suitable for accommodating a predetermined number of specified objects.

Each of the gates is configured to form, depending on the position of the first and second elements relative to each other:

- the so-called open chamber configuration, in which each shutter limits an opening of a size suitable for the passage of the object to be counted and dispensed, and

- the so-called closed chamber configuration, in which the specified opening is of a size insufficient for the passage of an object.

Each valve contains two facing beveled parts, non-adjacent in a closed configuration, so that the opening is never completely closed. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to prevent an object from being locked in the shutter, which could lead to damage to the object, and, on the other hand, to prevent the application of a tangential force to an object in contact with the shutter during closing of the latter.

To release one or more objects, the user operates the device by applying a relative sliding force between the first and second elements, resulting in the following operating sequence:

(i) the first shutter is in an open configuration, while the second shutter is in a closed camera configuration,

(ii) both the first and second shutters are in a closed chamber configuration,

(iii) the first shutter is in a closed configuration, while the second shutter is in an open camera configuration,

(iv) both the first and second shutters are in a closed chamber configuration.

In some cases, it may be desirable to secure a given device to some extent to ensure that items can only be released under certain conditions.

For example, personalized medicine involves a patient taking a specific dose with the option of changing the drug at a certain point, where the dose can be one or more of the above items.

To prevent a patient from ingesting an inappropriate dose of a drug or ingesting a drug at an unscheduled point in time, the device must be capable of being controlled to prevent the release of items outside a specified time interval and to deliver only the prescribed or authorized dose during that interval.

In addition, it may be necessary to monitor compliance with treatment, e.g. check whether the patient has taken the planned dose.

Another limitation related to security is to prevent the possibility of introducing a foreign body into the container through the dispensing device to prevent contamination of said items or the presence of foreign substances among them.

Disclosure of the invention

In view of the above, the purpose of the invention is to develop a secure device for counting and dispensing objects.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a device for counting and dispensing objects, containing two elements configured to slide relative to each other:

- a first element containing a channel for dispensing objects to be counted and dispensed, said channel extending in the sliding direction,

- a second element interacting with the first element to form two shutters that define a chamber in the dispensing channel suitable for accommodating a predetermined number of said items,

wherein said gates are configured to form, depending on the position of said first and second elements relative to each other:

• the so-called open chamber configuration, in which each shutter limits an opening of a size suitable for the passage of the object to be counted and dispensed, and

• a so-called closed chamber configuration, in which said opening is not of sufficient size to allow the passage of an object, each shutter comprising two facing beveled parts, non-adjacent in said closed configuration,

the first and second elements are arranged to ensure, by means of relative sliding, a sequence of operation of the gates in which:

(i) the first shutter is in an open configuration, while the second shutter is in a closed camera configuration,

(ii) both the first and second shutters are in a closed chamber configuration,

(iii) the first shutter is in a closed configuration, while the second shutter is in an open camera configuration,

(iv) both the first and second shutters are in a closed chamber configuration,

wherein said device is distinguished by the fact that it is designed to be inserted into a casing containing a control unit and at least one actuator under the control of said control unit, and also by the fact that it contains a lock configured to be moved by the actuator from a closed state , in which said lock partially closes the dispensing channel, to an open state in which the lock is retracted beyond the dispensing channel, wherein said lock is designed so that a change in its state does not affect the position of the object located in the chamber.

In particular, the lock is preferably located in the same plane as the beveled parts of the second lock.

According to one embodiment, the lock includes two rotating blades configured to be connected to a corresponding actuator.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the first element, the second element and the lock is formed as a single piece, wherein the device is formed solely by the first and second elements and the lock.

Another object of the invention relates to a tamper-resistant container containing said dispensing device and a container containing said items, said container being permanently connected to the dispensing device.

These items may be homeopathic granules, soft capsules, tablets, hard capsules, loosely packed in a container.

Another object of the invention relates to a secure device for dispensing a dose of a therapeutic agent in the form of one or more objects, wherein said dispensing device comprises a casing and a container, for example, disclosed above and cooperating with said casing, the casing comprising:

- a control unit containing a processor and a memory device in which treatment-related data is stored,

- an actuator under the control of said control unit for moving the lock to its closed position or to its retracted position.

According to one embodiment, the actuator is a linear actuator.

Alternatively, the actuator is a rotary actuator.

According to one embodiment, the housing includes at least one sensor coupled to the control unit and configured to detect the passage of an object in the chamber and/or in a portion of the channel located downstream of the second gate.

In addition, the housing may include at least one sensor coupled to the control unit and configured to detect an open or closed configuration of each gate.

The housing may further comprise a patient identification device coupled to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to actuate the actuator only if the patient is identified by the identification device.

Said identification device may comprise a biometric device or an identification code input interface.

According to one embodiment, the dispensing device includes an accelerometer or gyroscope connected to a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the orientation of the dispensing device based on measurement data from said accelerometer or gyroscope and actuate the actuator only if the dispensing channel is oriented along essentially vertical and the outlet of the dispensing channel is directed downwards.

The dispensing device may also include a temperature sensor and a memory device configured to store measurement data from said sensor.

The housing preferably contains a power source that powers the control unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes a substantially flat base configured to be supported during dispensing of items.

Brief description of drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of the invention using the accompanying drawings as an example, where:

- Fig. 1 shows various examples of items that the device according to the invention can deliver;

- Fig. 2A schematically depicts a first gate configuration of a device according to the invention;

- Fig. 2B schematically illustrates a second gate configuration of a device according to the invention;

- Fig. 2C schematically depicts a third gate configuration of a device according to the invention;

- Fig. 2D schematically shows a fourth gate configuration of the device according to the invention;

- Fig. 3A is a side view of a stationary element of the dispenser according to one embodiment;

- Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a stationary element of a dispenser according to one embodiment;

- Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing device including the stationary member of FIG. 3A and 3B and the movable element, in an orientation allowing the dispensing of the item;

- Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the lock, in a retracted state,

- Fig. 4B is a bottom view of the lock in the retracted state of FIG. 4A,

- Fig. 4C is a perspective view of said lock in a retracted state,

- Fig. 4D is a bottom view of the lock in the retracted state of FIG. 4C,

- Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the lock in a retracted state,

- Fig. 5B is a bottom view of the lock in the retracted state of FIG. 5A,

- Fig. 5C is a perspective view of said lock in a retracted state,

- Fig. 5D is a bottom view of the lock in the retracted state of FIG. 5C,

- Fig. 6A shows the interaction of the lock with the actuator, in the retracted state,

- Fig. 6 V depicts the interaction of the lock with the actuator, in the closed state,

- Fig. 7 shows light guides located in the output device with the ability to interact with optical sensors,

- Fig. 8 is a view of the reading and dispensing device and the casing before assembly,

- Fig. 9 is a view of the reading and dispensing device and housing after assembly.

Of course, the embodiments in these figures are presented for illustrative purposes and are not in any way limiting the geometric parameters and arrangement of the components shown therein.

Carrying out the invention

Items to be counted and issued

In general, the invention can be used for counting and dispensing any objects of spherical or spheroidal shape or oblong shape with convex ends. In a non-limiting embodiment, the objects may be rotationally symmetrical about an axis passing between the two convex ends.

As used herein, the term “oblong” refers to an object whose greatest dimension (or length) extends between two convex ends.

Oblong objects must be oriented in the channel of the counting and dispensing device one after the other in the direction of their largest size.

Fig. 1 shows some examples of such items, designated by the letters A to H.

The soft capsule is shown in FIG. 1A. Said soft capsule can be characterized as having a cylindrical portion of circular cross-section and two symmetrical hemispherical ends with a radius of curvature equal to the radius of the cylindrical portion. The distance between the two hemispherical ends is greater than the diameter of the round part.

Fig. 1B depicts a spherical object, such as a granule.

Fig. 1C depicts a microbead, which is a microtablet, typically 0.8 to 4 mm in diameter, having a cylindrical section of constant cross-section, the length of which is usually equal to the diameter, and ends where the said section tapers, typically in the shape of a spherical cup.

The hard capsule is shown in Fig. 1D. Said hard capsule can be characterized as an ellipsoid of revolution.

Fig. 1E depicts an object containing a cylindrical part with a circular cross-section and two symmetrical pointed ends. The distance between the pointed ends is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical part.

Fig. 1F depicts an object comprising a cylindrical portion with a circular cross-section and two symmetrical rounded ends. The radius of curvature can be larger to one degree or another, but the case in which the ends are flat is excluded.

Fig. 1G depicts an extreme case in which the change in end sections occurs at a very rapid rate, and is not a cylinder of constant cross-section, and for which the devices of the present invention are suitable.

Fig. 1H depicts the case of a tablet which, unlike the items in FIG. 1A - 1G, is not rotationally symmetrical. This object can be characterized as containing a straight cylindrical part, the basis of which is an ellipse, and two ellipsoidal faces. The ends of the object correspond to the ends of the major axis of the ellipse.

In a broad sense, it is possible to use any forms that can be obtained by creating a dose in solid form (with the exception of powders, the particles of which are not considered countable items) for the items dispensed by the proposed device.

In pharmaceutical applications, the items may be granules, microgranules, hard capsules, tablets, suppositories or soft capsules.

Moreover, any item whose shape corresponds to one of the options disclosed above, regardless of its size and proportions, is suitable for dispensing in a certain quantity using the proposed device. Thus, the invention can find application in any industry, including in the agri-food sector, where there is a need to issue a certain number of items.

Reading and output device

The device for counting and dispensing objects is similar to that already disclosed in WO 2015/121353, which can be referred to for a description of various embodiments.

In the examples of Fig. 2A - 2D illustrate the principle of the reading and output device (hereinafter referred to as the “dispensing device” for brevity).

In these figures, a reservoir 3 of objects 2 (in this case depicted in the form of balls) is located in the upper part of the dispensing device and communicates with an object dispensing channel 100 passing along the longitudinal axis X. The direction of flow of objects from the reservoir 3 to the output of the dispensing device is indicated by an arrow. To dispense items, the X-axis is oriented in a vertical or oblique direction, with a reservoir located above the dispenser to allow items to move by gravity into the channel 100.

The dispensing device contains two elements designed to slide relative to each other:

- the first element 10 containing channel 100,

- a second element 11 interacting with the first to form two shutters 1A, 1B, limiting in the dispensing channel 100 a chamber 101 suitable for accommodating a predetermined number of said items.

According to the present invention, only sliding of the two elements in the X-axis direction of the dispensing channel is provided.

The channel 100 contains a section perpendicular to the X axis and configured to allow one object to pass so that the objects are located one above the other in the channel 100.

If the dispensed items are elongated items, said portion of the channel 100 is configured to allow the items to pass in a direction along their length, i.e. the objects are arranged one above the other in the channel 100 so that their convex ends face each other. This section of channel 100 does not permit the passage of an object in any orientation other than the orientation along its length, nor does it permit the simultaneous passage of two or more objects through a single section of channel.

The connection between the item reservoir and the dispensing device is preferably funnel-shaped to prevent items from becoming immobilized at the entrance of channel 100. Conversely, due to their symmetry, spherical or oblong items with convex ends may tend to line up in such a way that, once in center of the bottom of the tank, they themselves form a stable structure, pseudo-tubular and therefore hollow in the center, which cannot fall through, and therefore continuation of reception is possible only under the influence of mechanical mixing.

The internal cross-section of the reservoir 3 is generally larger than the internal cross-section of the channel 100, and the inner wall of the reservoir preferably includes a portion 1130 sloping downstream in the direction of the narrowing of the cross-section. The upstream end of the channel 100 includes a wall 1030 sloping in the same direction as the portion 1130.

The gates 1A and 1B are located respectively in the downstream and upstream portions of the channel 100 in the direction of flow of objects for exiting the dispensing device.

The shutters 1A and 1B define between themselves a part of the channel 100, which is a chamber 101 designed to accommodate a certain number of objects. In the example in FIG. 2A - 2D camera is designed to receive one object, i.e. the distance between the gates 1A and 1B along the X axis is equal to the nominal diameter of the object, but less than the nominal diameter of the specified object multiplied by 1.5. In this case, the dispensing device according to the invention can be structurally configured to accommodate two or more objects in the chamber 101; To do this, it is enough to adapt the distance between gates 1A and 1B. Thus, the camera 101 performs the function of counting the dispensed items, while simultaneously providing the ability to compensate for permissible size deviations characteristic of the manufacturing methods of these items.

Fig. 2A depicts a state of the dispenser in which both shutters 1A, 1B are in a closed configuration of the chamber 101, which is empty at that time.

It should be noted that the portions facing the gates 1A, 1B are not adjacent, but are separated by a gap that is smaller than the diameter of the object so as to block the passage of the object 2 located in the channel immediately upstream of the gate 1B. As will be understood from the following description, the fact that the closures are not adjacent provides the advantage of being able to hold objects without applying any tangential force to the object contained in the chamber 101. In addition, the portions facing the closures are preferably beveled. profile.

The fact that the shutter 1B is beveled makes it possible to prevent, during the closing movement of said shutter, a tangential force from being applied to an object contained in the chamber 101 or to an object immediately upstream of said shutter 1B.

And finally, Fig. 2D depicts a dispensing device state in which the upstream shutter 1B remains in the closed configuration of the chamber 101 and the downstream shutter 1A is in the open configuration of the chamber 101. Transition from the state in Fig. 2C to the state in FIG. 2D is achieved by sliding said two elements of the dispensing device relative to each other. Sliding occurs in the X-axis direction from the downstream region to the upstream region. It should be noted that the sliding acts on the element 10, causing it to penetrate into the tank 3, resulting in the mixing of objects, which effectively prevents the immobilization of objects at the entrance of the tank.

Opening the downstream shutter 1A allows the item 2 (or items if two or more items were contained in the chamber 101) to leave the chamber and thereby be removed from the dispensing device.

As stated above, the shape of the shutters, namely that they are not adjacent in a closed configuration and that they have a beveled profile, prevents, when closing the shutter, the application of a shear stress to the object introduced into the chamber 101, or to an object upstream of the gate 1B that could be partially captured in the chamber 101 even if the size of the objects varies within a certain range. In addition, such gate designs allow excess object partially trapped in chamber 101 to be pushed upstream without applying any shear stress that could damage it.

Fig. 3A and 3B are respectively a side view and a perspective view of an embodiment of the element 10 containing the dispensing channel. The element is shown oriented vertically, in a position in which objects can exit through the bottom. The terms “bottom” and “upper” or “top” and “bottom” as used herein are to be understood in relation to this provision.

Element 10 contains a central drum 102, inside of which a dispensing channel 100 is located. The central drum includes two pairs of diametrically opposed openings 1020B-1021B and 1020A-1021A demarcating the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the readout chamber 101. The central drum 102 also includes two diametrically opposed legs 1022 extending radially outward. Each leg bears two arms 1023B, 1023A extending in a direction substantially parallel to the drum 102 on either side of the leg 1022. Each arm includes at its end a protruding portion extending radially inward and facing a corresponding opening 1020B, 1021B, 1020A. 1021A in the drum 102. The protruding portion is designated 1024B for the arm 1023B, and the protruding portion of the arm 1023A is not visible because it is located inside the hole 1020A. Each group formed by leg 1022 with its two arms is symmetrical to the other with respect to a plane containing the X axis.

The shape and polymer material used to form the leg and arms provide a certain amount of elasticity to the arms by rotating where they connect to the leg. Thus, the upper arms 1023B are movable between a position in which the upper projections 1024B are close together and partially penetrate into the dispensing channel 100 through the upper openings 1020B, 1021B, and a position in which the upper projections 1024B are spaced apart and located outside the dispensing channel 100, thereby allowing the passage of objects. In other words, the upper projections 1024B form the upstream shutter 1B of the sample chamber 101.

Likewise, the lower arms 1023A are movable between a position in which the lower projections are close together and partially penetrate the dispensing channel 100 through the lower openings 1020A, 1021A, and a position in which the lower projections are spaced apart and located outside the channel 100 issuing, thereby allowing the passage of items. In other words, the lower protruding parts form the downstream shutter 1A of the counting chamber 101.

As explained above, the protruding parts are not adjacent even in their close position and contain a beveled end, due to which no shear stress is applied to the object as they approach each other.

Fig. 3A and 3B depict the first element in an inactive configuration, i.e. in a configuration in which no mechanical force is applied to the arms. In this configuration, the upper arms 1024B are in a position where they are spaced apart from each other such that the protruding portions 1024B form an opening wide enough for an object to pass through. Thus, the upstream shutter 1B is in an open configuration of the chamber 101. The lower arms 1024A are in a position close to each other such that the protruding portions 1024A, while not adjacent, form an opening narrow enough to prevent the passage of an object. Thus, the downstream valve 1A is in a closed chamber 101 configuration.

The second element of the device is configured, depending on its position relative to the first element, to bring the upper and lower arms closer to each other or further away from each other to ensure the operating sequence disclosed below.

The second element 11 is shown in Fig. 3C assembled with the stationary element 10 in FIG. 3A and 3B and a container 3 containing dispensed items.

The stationary element is rigidly attached to the housing 31 enclosing the components of the element 10 so as to make it impossible for the user to access them.

The container 3 is slidably mounted in the X direction relative to the housing 31 by means of a tubular connector 30. The housing 31 includes an upper collar 33 that forms an axial stop in the downward direction for the container 3.

Element 11 includes a cylindrical portion 110 slidably located on drum 102.

On the upstream side, i.e. in orientation towards the interior of the container 3, the cylindrical portion 110 preferably has an extension in the form of a funnel 111 extending into the dispensing channel 100. Such a funnel, although optional, helps prevent immobilization of objects at the entrance of the dispensing channel 100.

On the downstream side, i.e. in orientation towards the downstream valve 1A, the cylindrical portion 110 has an extension in the form of a skirt 112 that flares in the downstream direction.

The cylindrical part 110, the funnel 111 and the skirt 112 are preferably formed in one piece, which can be achieved by molding a plastic material.

The member 11 is rigidly attached to the container 3. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the portion defining the funnel 111 includes one or more spurs 113 that snap into holes 32 formed around the circumference of the container 3. Thus, an axial force applied by the user to the container causes element 11 slides together with container 3.

The inner surface of the skirt is configured to interact with the shoulders to operate the shutters 1A, 1B. Thus, depending on the position of the skirt relative to the shoulders, the skirt can apply a mechanical force to the shoulders 1023B and 1023A with the ability to elastically deform the arms to move them closer to or further away from each other.

In particular, the device is configured to provide the following operating sequence.

In the inactive configuration, in which the user does not perform any action to release the item or items, the first and second members 10, 11 are positioned relative to each other as shown in FIG. 1C. In this position, the skirt 112 is retracted upward from the upper shoulders 1023A and therefore does not apply any mechanical force to said shoulders. As stated above, the shutter 1B is thus in an open configuration of the camera 101, and the shutter 1A is in a closed chamber configuration. Therefore, the object (in this application, in the form of a soft capsule) is held in the chamber 101 between two closures.

To release said item, the user must apply pressure to the container 3 along the X-axis in the downstream direction. This action causes the second member 11 to slide downward along the drum 102. As a result, the inner surface of the skirt 112 comes into contact with the upper arms 1023B and slides along these arms. The flared shape of the skirt causes the upper legs 1023B to gradually move closer to each other until the closed configuration of the upstream gate 1B is achieved. This first phase of movement of the second element 11 does not have any effect on the configuration of the downstream valve 1A, which remains in a closed configuration.

Starting from a certain position of the second element relative to the first element, a second phase of movement of the second element 11 comes into effect, in which the skirt 112 applies a force to the arms 1023B, 1023A, under the action of which the arms 1023A elastically rotate, which tend to move away from each other, until until the open configuration of the downstream gate 1A is achieved. During this second phase, the upstream valve 1B remains in a closed configuration. At the end of the second phase, the item contained in the chamber is released from the device and delivered to the user.

When the user stops applying pressure to the container, the return means (not shown) returns the container 3 upward and thereby returns the second element 11 to the inactive position in FIG. 3C. The upward movement of the second element also consists of two phases: a first phase during which the downstream valve 1A returns to the closed position (while the upstream valve 1B remains in the closed configuration), and a subsequent second phase during which the return occurs. valve 1B to the open position (while the downstream valve 1A remains in a closed configuration). This allows a new item to enter chamber 101 for a new dispensing operation, which can be performed immediately (eg, if the dose to be delivered to the user contains multiple items that cannot be released simultaneously) or later.

In any case, the configuration of the first and second elements is such that a situation in which both the upstream shutter and the downstream shutter are in an open chamber configuration cannot arise.

To provide security to the device, it includes a lock movable between a closed state, in which the lock cooperates with a downstream valve to partially close the dispensing channel, and an open state, in which the lock is retracted beyond the dispensing channel.

The lock is located inside the dispensing device without the user being able to access it. Therefore, the user cannot operate the lock from outside the dispensing device. As discussed below, the lock is configured to interact with an actuator located in an "automated" or "smart" housing that controls the actuator only in situations where the user is authorized to accept items.

According to one embodiment, the lock 4 comprises two opposing blades 40, each of which includes a transverse pin 41, said pin extending, for example, perpendicular to the blade. Said blades 40 are configured to move between a closed position, in which their fingers 41 are inserted into the dispensing channel with the possibility of partially closing it, and a retracted position, in which said fingers 41 are located outside the dispensing channel with the possibility of passing objects. In the closed position, fingers 41 are preferably not adjacent. In this closed position, the passage of objects is impossible, even if the gates are open.

This lock is designed so that a change in its state does not affect the position of the object located in the chamber 101. In practice, the blade fingers are located in the same plane as the downstream valve 1A, or in a parallel plane sufficiently close to the downstream lock 1A so that neither an object can be locked between the lock and the bolt nor damaged due to the closing of the bolt. For example, depending on the shape of the objects, the distance between the lock and the bolt is preferably less than 3 mm.

In addition, the lock 4 does not interfere with the downstream valve 1A, so that the lock 4 and the downstream valve 1A can be operated independently of each other.

Each blade 40 is rotatable about an axis parallel to the X-axis. Each blade can be driven by a corresponding actuator located in the above housing.

Fig. 4A - 4D depict a first embodiment of the lock in a retracted state (FIGS. 4A-4B) and in a closed state (FIGS. 4C-4D).

Each blade 40 contains a main straight element extending in a plane perpendicular to the X axis and containing at one of its ends a rotation axis 42 parallel to the X axis, and at the opposite end 43 a means of connection with an actuator (not shown). The blade also includes a finger 41 extending from the main element, substantially perpendicular to the latter, in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis. The blades are arranged such that, in the closed position, the fingers 41 are diametrically opposed to the channel 100 and perpendicular to the projecting portions 1024A of the downstream valve 1A.

Fig. 5A - 5D depict a second embodiment of the lock in a retracted state (FIGS. 5A-5B) and in a closed state (FIGS. 5C-5D).

Each blade 40 contains a straight main element extending in a plane perpendicular to the X axis and containing at one of its ends a rotation axis 42 parallel to the X axis, and at the opposite end 43 a means of connection with an actuator (not shown). The vane also includes a pin 41 extending from the main element, substantially perpendicular to the latter, in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis. The vanes are arranged such that, in the closed position, the pins 41 are parallel to the protruding portions 1024A of the downstream valve 1A, with each pin facing the opposite protruding part.

The counting and dispensing device, various embodiments of which have been disclosed above, may be configured as a component to be mounted on a receptacle containing the dispensing items. In this case, the dispensing device is dimensioned so that it can be adapted to an existing container, for example, a vessel, tube, etc. The dispensing device is attached to the container by any suitable means, including welding, gluing, snapping, or the like.

Alternatively, the metering and dispensing device may comprise a container, for example by making one of the elements integral with the container.

casing

The item dispensing control is provided by a casing containing a control unit and at least one actuator controlled by said control unit, wherein the lock is configured to be activated by the actuator only after the counting and dispensing device is inserted into the casing and the actuator will receive an instruction to open from the control unit. Such an instruction comes into effect when the control unit determines that one or more items should be dispensed. To determine this, the control unit uses basic data related to the treatment, for example, patient identification data, the planned program for taking the therapeutic agent (date, time, number of items taken at a time, etc.).

The dispensing device and the housing together form a secure device for dispensing a dose of a therapeutic agent.

Fig. 8 and 9 are perspective views of a housing 6 and a container 3 containing a dispensing device (eg, already disclosed in FIG. 3C), before and after assembly, respectively.

The dispensing device and housing are preferably designed to be sufficiently compact and light so that the dispensing device can be carried in the hand, i.e. can be transported by the user with one hand.

The control unit typically includes a processor and a storage device capable of storing treatment-related data therein and/or means for querying a remote server containing said data. The control unit preferably contains both a storage device in which said data is recorded (for example by a doctor) and means for querying a server from which said data can also be retrieved, allowing, if necessary, a double check before authorizing the issuance of one or several items.

According to one embodiment, the actuator is a linear actuator.

In another embodiment, the actuator is a rotary actuator coupled to a cam.

In particular, the housing preferably contains one or more sensors connected to the control unit, selected in particular from the various sensors disclosed below.

The first sensor is a sensor configured to detect the presence or passage of an object in the chamber and/or in a portion of the channel located downstream of the second gate.

The second sensor is a sensor configured to detect an open or closed configuration of each gate.

The third sensor is a sensor configured to detect the state of the lock.

These sensors are preferably optical plugs containing a transmitter and a receiver facing each other and located at some distance where the element whose position or condition is to be determined is located. The housing preferably contains light guides located, on the one hand, between the transmitter and one side of the element and, on the other hand, between the receiver and the opposite side of the element. Light guides allow the transmitter/receiver to be located in one place in the housing for all sensors and thus make the system more compact. Of course, those skilled in the art will be able to select sensors based on other known technologies that are suitable for a given use case.

Fig. 7 depicts an embodiment containing such light guides. The drum 102 may include two openings: an opening 1025 extending into the chamber 101 and an opening 1026 extending into a portion of the dispensing channel 100 downstream of the shutter 1A. A light guide 70 is located between an optical sensor (not shown) and an opening 1025 so as to be able to detect the presence of an object in the chamber 101. A light guide 71 is located between an optical sensor (not shown) and an opening 1026 so as to be able to detect the passage of an object through the downstream shutter. The light guide 72 faces each protruding portion 1024A so as to be able to determine the configuration (open or closed) of the shutter 1A. The light guide 73 faces the finger of each blade so as to be able to determine the state (retracted or closed) of the lock.

The housing preferably further comprises a patient identification device coupled to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to actuate the actuator only if the patient is identified by the identification device. The identification device may comprise a biometric device and/or an identification code input interface. Since such devices are known, they will not be disclosed in detail in the text of this document.

In particular, the dispensing device preferably comprises an accelerometer or a gyroscope connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to determine the orientation of the dispensing device based on measurement data from said accelerometer or gyroscope and actuate the actuator only if the dispensing channel is oriented substantially vertically downward to enable dispensing of the item. In other words, two gates must be located in one line vertically, while the second gate must be located under the first gate. This prevents an item from entering the dispenser when the second shutter is open.

According to one embodiment, the dispensing device comprises a temperature sensor and a memory device (which may be a memory device of said control unit) configured to store measurement data from said sensor. Recording temperature over time helps ensure that the drug has not been exposed to temperatures that could degrade its performance. The control unit may be configured to issue an alarm if the temperature exceeds a predetermined limit.

The dispensing device may further comprise a clock capable of transmitting date and time information to the processor for tracking a scheduled therapeutic dosing program.

In one embodiment, the housing contains a power source (a coin cell battery or other battery, preferably rechargeable) that powers the control unit. Thus, the dispensing device is self-contained and can be easily moved by the user.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the housing includes a substantially flat base 62 configured to be stable on a support during dispensing of items. Thus, once the dispensing device is in place in the housing, the user only needs to apply vertical downward pressure with one hand (the other hand remains free or is used only to support the housing) on the movable element of the dispensing device (in this case, the top 36 of the container 3) to cause it to slide relative to a stationary element and release the required number of objects. Given the orientation of the dispensing device, objects fall under the influence of gravity into the lower part of the casing 6, which can be accessed through the hatch 63.

Although the various sensors, accelerometer or gyroscope disclosed above may be incorporated into the dispensing device, they are more preferably incorporated into the housing.

Preferably, the dispensing device is designed to be recyclable, i.e. without the possibility of disassembling and filling with new items after it is emptied. Since the dispensing device consists of parts molded from plastic, it is inexpensive and easy to recycle.

On the other hand, the housing 6 containing the processor and other electronic components of the control unit, the actuator, these various sensors, identification device, accelerometer and/or gyroscope, which can be relatively expensive and potentially difficult to recycle, can be made reusable .

Operation of the dispenser

The dispensing device operates as follows.

The user takes a container 3 containing a dispensing device and items constituting a therapeutic agent and loosely packed into the container. The downstream valve is in a closed configuration and the lock is in a closed position such that together they close at least partially the dispensing channel.

The user inserts container 3 into housing 6.

At the end of this operation, each lock blade will face the corresponding actuator contained in the casing.

In accordance with the treatment data previously stored in the memory of the control unit, the control unit may or may not issue a command to open the lock to bring it to the retracted position. This command may, for example, be issued if the user is properly identified by an identification device, such as those disclosed above, and if the time indicated by the clock is within the scheduled time range of the therapeutic agent dosing schedule. Otherwise, for example, if the user has not been recognized by the identification device, or if the time indicated by the clock is not within the scheduled range or ranges of the therapeutic dosage plan, the control unit does not issue any commands to the actuator.

The user presses the top of the container 3 rigidly connected to the second element of the counting and dispensing device in a downward direction and then releases it, thereby starting the sequence of operation of the locks and allowing, if the lock is in its retracted position, the exit of one or more items.

The sensors preferably provide the ability to count the number of objects leaving the chamber.

When the number of items to be delivered is reached, the control unit sends a command to the actuator to bring the lock to its closed position.

As a result, even if the user activates the device again, no additional items will come out of it.

Reference materials

WO 2015/121353.

Claims (31)

1. Device (1) for reading and dispensing a therapeutic agent in the form of one or more objects (2), containing two elements (10, 11), made with the possibility of sliding movement relative to each other: - a first element (10) containing a channel (100) for dispensing items to be counted and dispensed, said channel (100) extending in the sliding direction, - a second element (11) interacting with the first element to form two shutters (1A, 1B) that limit a chamber (101) in the dispensing channel (100) suitable for accommodating a predetermined number of said items, wherein said gates (1A, 1B) are configured to form, depending on the position of said first and second elements relative to each other: • an open chamber configuration in which each shutter limits an opening of a size suitable for the passage of the object to be counted and dispensed, and • a closed chamber configuration in which said opening is not large enough to allow the passage of an object, wherein each shutter contains two facing beveled portions that are non-adjacent in said closed configuration, in this case, the first and second elements (10, 11) are located with the possibility of ensuring, by means of relative sliding, a sequence of operation of the gates in which: (i) the first shutter is in an open configuration, while the second shutter is in a closed chamber configuration (101), (ii) both the first and second shutters are in a closed chamber configuration (101), (iii) the first shutter is in a closed configuration, while the second shutter is in an open chamber configuration (101), (iv) both the first and second gates are in a closed chamber configuration (101), wherein said device is distinguished by the fact that it is designed to be inserted into a casing (6) containing a control unit and at least one actuator (5) under the control of said control unit, and also by the fact that it contains a lock (4) made with the ability for the actuator to move between a closed state, in which said lock partially closes the dispensing channel (100), and an open state, in which the lock is retracted beyond the dispensing channel (100), wherein said lock is designed so that a change in its state does not affect on the position of the object located in the chamber (101). 2. The device according to claim 1, in which the lock is located in the same plane as the beveled parts of the second lock (1A). 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the lock contains two rotary blades (40) configured to be connected to a corresponding actuator. 4. Device according to one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which each of the first element (10), the second element (11) and the lock (4) is made in the form of a single piece, and the device (1) is formed exclusively by the first and second elements and the lock. 5. A container for storing a therapeutic agent, containing a device according to one of paragraphs. 1-4 and a vessel containing objects, permanently connected to the specified device. 6. Container according to claim 5, in which the items are homeopathic granules, soft capsules, tablets, hard capsules, loosely packed in a container. 7. A protected device for dispensing a dose of a therapeutic agent in the form of one or more items, containing a casing (6) and a container (3) according to one of paragraphs. 5 or 6, interacting with the specified casing, and the casing (6) contains: - a control unit containing a processor and a memory device in which treatment-related data is stored, - an actuator (5) under the control of said control unit for moving the lock (4) to its closed position or to its retracted position. 8. The dispensing device according to claim 7, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator. 9. The dispensing device according to claim 7, wherein the actuator is a rotary actuator. 10. Dispensing device according to one of paragraphs. 7-9, in which the housing (6) contains at least one sensor connected to the control unit and configured to detect the passage of an object in the chamber and/or in a part of the channel located downstream of the second gate. 11. Dispensing device according to one of paragraphs. 7-10, in which the housing (6) contains at least one sensor connected to the control unit and configured to detect the open or closed configuration of each gate. 12. Dispensing device according to one of paragraphs. 7-11, in which the housing (6) further contains a patient identification device connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to actuate the actuator only if the patient is identified by the identification device. 13. The dispensing device according to claim 12, wherein the identification device comprises a biometric device. 14. The dispensing device according to claim 12, wherein the identification device comprises an identification code input interface. 15. Dispensing device according to one of paragraphs. 7-14, containing an accelerometer or gyroscope connected to a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the orientation of the dispensing device based on measurement data from said accelerometer or gyroscope and actuate the actuator only if the dispensing channel is oriented substantially vertically and the output of the dispensing channel is directed downwards. 16. Dispensing device according to one of paragraphs. 7-15, comprising a temperature sensor and a storage device configured to store measurement data from said sensor. 17. Dispensing device according to one of paragraphs. 7-16, in which the housing (6) contains an energy source for powering the control unit. 18. Dispensing device according to one of paragraphs. 7-17, wherein the housing (6) includes a substantially flat base (62) configured to be supported during dispensing of items.

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