WO2020067983A1

WO2020067983A1 - Tablet dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2020067983A1
Application number: PCT/SE2019/050924
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fredrik Westman; Fredrik Lundberg; Håkan HARVIGSSON; Elisabeth BULIK; Theodor SANDSTRÖM
Original assignee: Medicpen Ab
Priority date: 2018-09-26
Filing date: 2019-09-26
Publication date: 2020-04-02
Also published as: SE1851148A1

Abstract

A compartment member (151) for a tablet cartridge unit (15), comprising a cylindrical cover sheet (152) on which at least one inner wall (153, 400) is arranged. A number of flanges (154) are arranged on the cylindrical cover sheet (152) between the inner wall (153) and an outer boundary (200) of the cover sheet (152). An inner flange (1531) is arranged on the inner wall (153, 400). Two adjacent flanges (154), the inner wall (153), the cover sheet (154), the outer boundary (200), a bottom side (b_iw) of the inner wall (153) together defines a tablet compartment for holding at least one tablet such that a height (h_c) of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance between the bottom side (b_iw) of the inner wall (153, 400) of the compartment member to a bottom side (b_cs) of the cover sheet (152), a length (l) of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance from the inner wall (153) to the outer boundary (200) of the compartment member (151), an inner width (w_i) of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance at the inner wall (153) between the adjacent flanges, and an outer width (w_o) of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance at the outer boundary of the compartment member (151) between the adjacent flanges. The cover sheet (152) comprises a cylindrical ridge pattern (41) provided at a top side (T_cs) of the cover sheet (152). The sum of the height (h_r) of the ridge pattern (41) and the height (h_c) of the tablet compartment is a total height (h) of the compartment member (151).

Description

TABLET DISPENSER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to medical dispenser, and in particular to compartment members of multiple cartridge medical tablet dispensers for private or hospital use.

BACKGROUND

Medical tablet dispensers are used in both clinics and home care in an attempt to improve compliance with and monitoring of medication. The compliance is improved by only allowing the patient to dispense a correct amount and type of tablets based on a dosing regimen being accessible to the medical tablet dispenser. Since many patients require several types of medicines there is an urge to provide medical tablet dispensers being capable of dispensing different types of medicines from a single tablet dispenser.

Although many solutions are known, typically such multiple tablet type dispensers are mechanically rather complex in order to allow different types of tablets to be dispensed from the single unit.

An improved tablet dispenser unit being less complex than conventional units, and providing for improved robustness would be advantageous.

An improved cartridge with compartments for holding and releasing tablets of different sizes would be advantageous.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to at alleviate or reduce at least one of the above stated problem.

According to a first aspect a compartment member for a tablet cartridge unit is provided. The compartment member comprises: a cylindrical cover sheet on which at least one inner wall is arranged, wherein a number of flanges are arranged on the cylindrical cover sheet between the inner wall and an outer boundary of the cover sheet, and wherein an inner flange is arranged on the inner wall. Two adjacent flanges, the inner wall, the cover sheet, the outer boundary, a bottom side of the inner wall together defines a tablet compartment for holding at least one tablet such that a height of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance between a bottom side of the inner wall of the compartment member to a bottom side of the cover sheet, a length of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance from the inner wall to the outer boundary of the compartment member, an inner width of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance at the inner wall between the adjacent flanges, and an outer width of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance at the outer boundary of the compartment member between the adjacent flanges; The cover sheet comprises a cylindrical ridge pattern provided at a top side of the cover sheet. A sum of the a height of the ridge pattern and the height of the tablet compartment is a total height of the compartment member.

In one embodiment, the total height of the compartment member is in a range between 16 mm and 21 mm. One effect of this feature is that the compartment member will fit in an associated tablet dispenser.

In one embodiment, the total height of the compartment member is 18,5 mm. One effect of this feature is that the compartment member will fit in an associated tablet dispenser.

In one embodiment, the outer boundary has a diameter in a range from 137 mm to 147 mm. One effect of this feature is that the compartment member will fit in an associated tablet dispenser.

In one embodiment, the outer boundary has a diameter of 142 mm. One effect of this feature is that the compartment member will fit in an associated tablet dispenser.

In one embodiment, the inner flange has a diameter and the inner wall has a diameter such that the diameter of the inner wall is larger than the diameter of the inner flange. This makes it possible to use the same dimension socket for all compartment members, allowing for saving in logistics and material. This also reduces the risk of incorrect assembly and consequently reduces the risk of incorrect medical dispensing.

In one embodiment, the diameter of the inner wall is larger than 87 mm. The reduction of the length of the compartment by increasing the inner wall will allow for compartment sizes suitable for certain forms of tablets.

In one embodiment, the height of the compartment is smaller than 13,6 mm. A height reduction of the tablet compartment will reduce the risk of tablets getting wedged or stuck between the top and bottom of the tablet compartment.

In one embodiment, a maximum of two of the height, the length, the inner width and the outer width are the same. By keeping the number of unique distances at high, the complexity of the tablet to tablet compartment pairing process is reduced.

In one embodiment, the inner width and the outer width are the same. By keeping the number of unique distances at high, the complexity of the tablet to tablet compartment pairing process is reduced. In one embodiment, each of the height, the length, the inner width and the outer width are all different from each other. By keeping the number of unique distances at high, the complexity of the tablet to tablet compartment pairing process is reduced.

In one embodiment, the at least one inner wall comprises a first inner wall and a second inner wall wherein the diameter of the first inner wall is larger than a diameter of the second inner wall and the inner flange is arranged on the second inner wall. A second inner wall will increase the stability of the compartment member when the diameter of the first inner wall increases.

According to a second aspect a tablet cartridge unit for a tablet dispenser is provided. The tablet cartridge unit comprises the compartment member of the first aspect, and an associated socket for detachably receiving the compartment member in use The socket comprises a cylindrical socket base plate and an outer wall extending at least partly along an outer boundary of the socket base plate The outer wall having an inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter of the cover sheet, thereby allowing the socket to embrace the compartment member in use. Two adjacent flanges, the inner wall, the cover sheet, the outer wall, and socket base plate forms a tablet compartment for holding at least one tablet. The socket base plate comprises means for detachably attaching the inner flange of the associated compartment member to the socket, such that the compartment member when attached is allowed to rotate in relation to the socket such as to allow for rotary alignment of each tablet compartment and the opening in use.

According to a third aspect a tablet dispenser is provided. The Tablet dispenser comprises a body having a base for resting on the underlying foundation in use. The body comprising a tablet drop channel extending in a direction at an angle relative a base plane formed by the base, and a support structure for accommodating at least two tablet cartridge units according to the second aspect. The tablet cartridge units being arranged one above the other in relation to the base and each tablet cartridge unit having an opening allowing a tablet from the associated tablet cartridge unit to be released into the tablet drop channel by means of gravitational force. Each tablet cartridge unit is inclined at an angle relative the base plane.

In one embodiment, the tablet dispenser is configured to be used with compartment members each having the same total height, the same inner flange diameter and the same inner wall diameter.

In one embodiment, the tablet dispenser accommodates a plurality of tablet cartridges, wherein at least one of the tablet cartridges comprises a tablet compartment member having tablet compartments which have a size of at least one of the height, the length, the inner width and the outer width which is different from the corresponding sizes of the other tablet cartridges.

In one embodiment, the tablet dispenser further comprises a lift assembly. The lift assembly comprising a bracket being arranged to move along a guide rail between different levels to thereby align with each tablet cartridge unit.

In one embodiment, the lift assembly comprises a detector for detecting identity information of each tablet unit, wherein said identity information at least comprises the type of tablets contained in the tablet cartridge unit.

In one embodiment, the lift assembly is operatively coupled to at least one spring loaded telescoping pushing member for engaging an engagement surface of a ridge pattern of a compartment member of each tablet cartridge unit.

In one embodiment, the lift assembly further comprises a rotary member for engaging/disengaging with the telescoping pushing member in use.

In one embodiment, the supporting structure comprises at least two cartridge receiving members, each arranged above the other in relation to the base, wherein each cartridge member comprises a hollow channel section constituting a part of the tablet drop channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which

Figs la and lb respectively show isometric views taken from different viewing angles of a tablet dispenser as provided for herein;

Figs 2a to 2d respectively show isometric views taken from different viewing angles of a tablet dispenser provided herein where the outer cover has been removed;

Figs 3a and 3b respectively show isometric views taken from different viewing angles of a tablet cartridge unit as provided for herein;

Figs 4a, 4b and 4c respectively show a bottom view, a top view and a side view of a compartment member as provided for herein;

Figs 5a and 5b respectively show a perspective and bottom view of an

embodiment of a compartment member; Fig. 6 shows a simplified bottom view of a tablet compartment with a tablet;

Fig. 7a shows a perspective of an embodiment of a compartment member.

Fig. 7b shows a side view of an embodiment of a compartment member.

Figs 8a and 8b respectively show isometric views taken from different viewing angles of a tablet cartridge unit when assembled and mounted into a cartridge receiving member of the associated supporting structure;

Figs 9a to 9c respectively shows isometric views of alternative sockets for the tablet cartridge unit; and

Figs lOa to lOc respectively shows isometric views of a bottom portion of the tablet dispenser unit at different stages as a cup is introduced into the tablet dispenser unit.

DESCRIPTION

With reference to Figs la and lb a tablet dispenser 10 is provided. The tablet dispenser comprises a body 11 having a base 1 la for resting on the underlying foundation in use. The body 11 comprises a tablet drop channel 12 extending in a direction at an angle b relative a base plane formed by the base 1 la. In normal use the base plane is aligned with a horizontal top surface of e.g. a table or desk, whereby the tablet drop channel extends along a direction having a component in along the vertical axis of said plane. The body 11 further comprises a support structure 13 for accommodating at least two tablet cartridge units 15 arranged one above the other in relation to the base 1 la. Each tablet cartridge unit is provided with an opening 158 allowing a tablet stored in a tablet compartment of said tablet cartridge unit 15 to be released into the tablet drop channel 12 by means of gravitational force. To this end, each tablet cartridge unit 15 is inclined at an angle a relative the base plane. Hence, both the drop channel and the tablet cartridge unit are respectively arranged at an angle relative the base plane.

Preferably the inclination angle a, as perhaps best seen in relation to the cross sectional view of Fig. 2a, of the respective tablet cartridge unit in relation to the base plane is smaller than the angle b between the extension of the drop channel and that of the base plane. In some conditions the extension of the tablet drop channel is close to orthogonally arranged in relation to the base plane. As seen in Figs 2a to 2d a cover of the body has been removed to better show the inner structure of the tablet dispenser.

As seen in the bottom portion of Fig. lb, the tablet dispenser may comprise a power connector, including optional communication interfaces, such as Ethernet, USB connecting the tablet dispenser to an external device, for external monitoring, remote updating of dosing regimens, etc. Also a display for providing useful information to the user and a dispensing button may be provided on the tablet dispenser unit as seen in Fig. la. With reference to Figs 3a to 4b, each tablet cartridge unit 15 comprises a

compartment member 151 having a cylindrical cover sheet 152 on which an inner wall 153 is arranged. A number of flanges 154 are arranged on the cylindrical cover sheet 152 between the inner wall 153 and an outer boundary 200 of the cover sheet 152.

Hence the flanges 154 extend from the inner wall 153, or adjacent the inner wall 153, towards the outer boundary 200 of the cover sheet 152, as best seen in the top part of Fig. 3a. Moreover, each tablet cartridge unit 15 further comprises an associated socket 155 for detachably receiving the compartment member 151 before use. The socket 155 comprises a cylindrical socket base plate 156 and an outer wall 157 extending at least partly along an outer boundary of the socket base plate 156. The opening 158 may be provided in the outer wall 157 at one part thereof, as best shown in Figs 3a and 3b. The outer wall 157 having an inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter of the cover sheet 152, thereby allowing the socket 155 to embrace the compartment member 151 upon assembly. When assembled a tablet compartment for holding at least one tablet is formed between two adjacent flanges 154, the inner wall 153, the cover sheet 152, the outer wall 157, and socket base plate 156. Since the compartment member 151 comprises a number of flanges 154 several tablet compartments are formed upon assembly in the space between the compartment member 151 and the respective socket 155.

The number of flanges 154, and thereby also the number of tablet compartments, can be any suitable number.

In one embodiment, it is preferred that compartment can hold tablets enough for two weeks. If one tablet a day has been prescribed, the compartment member may thus be required to have 14 flanges 154. In some embodiments, the compartment member is prefilled with tablets, such that one tablet compartment aligned with the opening 157 in the socket 155 is empty during transport. The number of flanges 154 then needs to be 15. If two tablets a day has been prescribed, e.g. one in the morning and one in the evening, the compartment member may be required to have 28 respectively 29 flanges 154.

As best seen in Figs 4a and 4c, the size of the tablet compartment is defined by the dimensions of the height h_c, the length 1, the inner width Wi, the outer width w₀. The directions referred to as top and bottom side are referenced with regards to the orientation in Fig. 3a. The height h_c of the tablet compartment is the distance between a bottom side bi_w of the inner wall 153 of the compartment member 151 to a bottom side b_cs of the cover sheet 152. The length 1 is the distance from the inner wall 153 to the outer boundary 200 of the compartment member 151. The inner width Wi is the distance, at the inner wall 153, between the adjacent flanges 154. The outer width w₀ is the distance, at the outer boundary 200 of the compartment member 151, between the adjacent flanges 154. The outer dimensions of the compartment member 151, as also shown in Figs 4a and 4c, is defined by the diameter D_0b of the outer boundary 200, the diameter D_f of the inner flange 1531 and the height h of the compartment member.

It may be important that the tablets are released from the tablet compartments by gravitational force only. However, during transportation of the pre-filled tablet cartridge units 15, tablets may move around in the tablet compartments. During this movement, the tablets may change orientation and get stuck in the tablet compartments. To be certain that a tablet can be released and does not get stuck, the tablet compartments may be made with dimension which are all larger than the largest dimensions of the tablets.

To accommodate different kinds of tablets, having different shapes and

dimensions, the compartment member 151 may be provided with tablet compartments which have dimensions that are all larger than the largest dimension of the largest tablets. However, this calls for a large tablet dispenser. Further, having a tablet compartment that is overly dimensioned with regards to the tablet size may cause the tablet to move around and break or shatter inside the compartment. Another issue with larger tablet compartments is that in order to fit a suitable number of tablet

compartments in a compartment member 151, the compartment member 151 has to be made larger as the size of the tablet compartments increases.

Instead, the dimension of the tablet compartments may be chosen to fit a specific kind of tablet, so that this tablet cannot turn around. But in many cases a person may have medical prescriptions of 5 to 15 different tablets. This may require many different sized compartment members 151. If all the tablets are of different sizes, this means 5 - 15 different sized compartment members, and many more if the tablet dispenser is to be used with all kinds of tablets.

The inventors of the present invention have realized that the tablet compartment member 151 can be used with differently sized and/or texturized tablets if the dimensions of the tablet compartment are chosen carefully. If the tablet compartment is provided with dimensions of which all, or at least most, are different from each other, a tablet is less likely to get stuck. In Fig. 6, a simplified 2-dimensional view of a tablet compartment with a width w a length 1 is shown. Inside the tablet compartment is a tablet 300 having a length Ti and a width T_w. It is clear that, if either of the distances 1, w of the tablet compartment is smaller than the maximum length Ti or width T_w of the tablet 300, there is a risk that the tablet will get wedged in the tablet compartment. The risk will increase as the friction between the tablet 300 and the walls of the tablet compartment increase. The maximum force with which the tablet 300 may get wedged will depend on its velocity as it is rotated into a wedging position. This velocity will in turn depend on the difference between the minimum width T_w of the tablet and the minimum width of the tablet compartment w. If the minimum width w of the tablet compartment is just slightly smaller than the maximum length Ti of the tablet, the tablet will be allowed to accelerate for a longer period of time and consequently reach a higher wedging velocity. The examples above are given with regards to two dimensions and a rectangular tablet compartment, but from this, the skilled person can apply the same reasoning to any shape or form of tablet compartments or tablets.

The diameter D_0b of the outer boundary 200 of the tablet compartment may be the same diameter for all compartment members 151 which are used with the same tablet dispenser 10.

The diameter D_f of the inner flange 1531 may be the same diameter for all compartment members 151 which are used with the same tablet dispenser 10.

A height h of the compartment member 151 may be the same for all compartment members 151 which are used with the same tablet dispenser 10.

By coming to this conclusion the inventors have realized that the same socket 155 may be used with different tablet compartments 151 and consequently the number of unique parts can be limited resulting in e.g. more efficient logistics and product handling.

The dimensions of the tablet compartments may thus be set by the position and direction of the pairs of adjacent flanges 154, the diameter Di of the inner wall, and the height h_c of the tablet compartment. If the dimensions are chosen according to the above description, 2 - 4 different sizes of tablet compartments may suffice to accommodate a majority of the tablets.

In one embodiment, the total height h of the compartment member 151 is in a range between 16 mm and 21 mm, and preferably the total height h is 18,5 mm.

In one embodiment, the outer boundary 200 has a diameter D_0b in a range from 137 mm to 147 mm, and preferably the outer boundary 200 has a diameter D_0b of 142 mm. In one embodiment, the inner flange 1531 has a diameter D_f and the inner wall 153 has a diameter Di such that the diameter Di of the inner wall 153 is larger than the diameter D_f of the inner flange 1531. The diameter Di of the inner wall 153 may be larger than 87 mm.

In one embodiment, the height of the compartment h_c is smaller than 13,6 mm.

In one embodiment, the respective sizes of the tablet compartment are formed such that only two of the sized are equal. In other words, a maximum of two of the height h_c, the length 1, the inner width Wi and the outer width w₀ are the same. This allows for easier dimensioning of the tablet compartment with regards to a tablet size, i.e. fewer measures of the tablet and compartment needs to be considered.

In one embodiment, there is a stabilizing wall 400 with a diameter larger than that of the inner flange 1531, but smaller than that of the inner wall 153.

As described above, the flanges 154 may extend radially from the inner wall 153, or adjacent the inner wall 153, towards the outer boundary 200 of the cover sheet 152. The width of the tablet compartment thereby varies from the inner width Wi to the outer width W_o.

In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 5a and 5b, pairs of adjacent flanges 154 may instead be arranged in a parallel manner, such that the inner width Wi and the outer width W_o are the same, or at least substantially the same. This has the advantage that the width of the tablet compartment does not vary along the radial direction of the flanges 154. It is thereby easier to choose a width dimension which is different from some or all the other dimensions of the tablet compartment. The tablet compartments are defined by two adjacent parallel flanges 154, the inner wall 153, the outer boundary 200 of the compartment member 151 and the cover sheet 152. The spaces between adjacent flanges 154 that are not parallel may be marked with a marker 500 to indicate that these are not to be used as tablet compartments. Alternatively, a similar end result may be achieved by having the flanges 154 formed such that they are wedge formed and are thicker at the end at the outer wall 157 than at the end at the inner wall 153.

In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 7a, the compartment member 151 is further provided with a second inner wall 400 arranged with a diameter smaller than the diameter Di of the first inner wall 153. The inner flange 1531 is arranged on the second inner wall 400. This embodiment enables the length 1 of the tablet compartment to be reduced without compromising the stability of the compartment member 151 since the second inner wall 400 helps stabilize the structure. Further, in Fig. 7b one embodiment is shown wherein the height h_c of the tablet compartment is reduced compared to the height h_c in Fig. 4c. In order to keep the total height h of the compartment member 153, the height if the ridges 41 including the material thickness of the cover sheet 152 is increased compared to that shown in Fig. 4c.

Each tablet cartridge unit 15 may be pre-filled with tablets e.g. prior to reaching the end-consumer. Each tablet cartridge unit 15 may be pre-filled by placing a tablet in the associated spaces between two flanges 154 of the compartment member 151, i.e. in the tablet compartments, and upon completion, gently pressing the associated socket 151 over the compartment member 151 whereby the tablet cartridge is assembled. A means of identification, e.g. a QR code, ID tag, label, etc. indicating the type of tablets in the tablet cartridge unit may be provided on the exterior side of the outer wall 157. Such a means for identification may be read before using the tablet dispenser, such that the tablet dispenser knows the type of medication stored in each tablet cartridge unit. The means for identification, e.g. the QR code, may contain information such as patient ID, drug ID, amount of tablets, start/end date for medication, cartridge serial number.

As seen in Figs 3a and 3b the inner wall 153 may have a cylindrical shape. The socket base plate 156 comprises means 159 for detachably attaching the inner wall 153 of the associated compartment member 151 to the socket 155. In this way the compartment member 151 when assembled is allowed to rotate in relation to the socket 155 such as to allow for rotary alignment of each tablet compartment and the opening 158 in use.

As seen in Figs 3a and 3b the means 159 for detachably attaching the inner wall 153 to the socket may e.g. comprise snap locks or clamps 159 provided on the socket 155 for engaging with the inner flange 1531 extending radially from the inner wall 153 of the compartment member 151.

The cover sheet 152 comprises a cylindrical ridge pattern 41 provided at a side opposite that of the inner wall 153 and flanges 154. The cylindrical ridge pattern 41 may have one engagement surface 411 for each tablet compartment. Hence, in this case, the number of engagement surfaces 411 are equal to the number of tablet compartments. Each engagement surface 411 in use is arranged to receive a force, e.g. from a spring loaded telescoping pushing member 22 as shown in Figs 8a and 8b, such to rotate the compartment member 151 in relation to its associated socket 155, thereby aligning the opening 158 with the tablet compartment being next in order of the tablet cartridge unit. In one embodiment the cover sheet 152 is provided with a cylindrical ridge pattern 41 arranged in such a way that the number of engagement surfaces 411 is twice the number of tablet compartments. This arrangement would of course only feed one tablet per two compartment member 151 rotations.

In one embodiment of the compartment member 151, the flanges 154 are arranged to form 28 tablet compartments. In another embodiment, the arrangement of the flanges 154 is such that the compartment member 151 is provided with 14 tablet compartments. The skilled person will realize that the number of tablet compartments may be varied in numerous ways.

A height h_r (best seen in Fig. 4c) of the ridge pattern 41 including a material thickness of the cover sheet 152 may be chosen such that the total height h of the compartment member 151 is the same for all compartments members to be used with the same tablet dispenser 10. This means that for a compartment member 151 with a smaller compartment height h_c, the height h_r of the ridges is larger keeping the sum h=h_c+h_r substantially constant for all compartment members 151 which are to be used with the same tablet dispenser 10. Thereby, compartment members 151 may be provided with the same outer dimensions even when the heights h_c of the tablet compartments differ between the compartment members 151. When all tablet compartment members 151 have substantially the same outer dimensions, identical or nearly identical sockets 155 may be used with all compartments members 151.

The socket base plate 156 may be provided with a protrusion 35 protruding in a direction having a component in the same direction as the outer wall 157, as perhaps best shown in the bottom part of Fig. 3b The protrusion, which may be provided as a rounded protrusion, is in use arranged to engage with one of the flanges 154 when said flange 154 is moved thereover upon its rotary movement in relation to the socket 155 such as to bend the flange 154 such as to increase the size tablet compartment, to avoid a tablet from getting stuck in the tablet compartment when the tablet compartment is aligned with the opening 158. The flanges 154 may further be made from a material that allows them to flex and bend when engaged by the groove 35.

Fig. 9a shows an isometric view of an alternative socket 155, wherein a stabilization element 52 is provided at the rim of the outer wall 157 across the opening 158 of the socket 155. The stabilization element 52 reduces the risk of undesired bending of the socket 155 in use. If such undesired bending is large enough, tablets of the tablet cartridge unit could be dispositioned or unintentionally released from the tablet cartridge unit. Fig. 9b shows an isometric view of an alternative socket 155, wherein said socket 155 adjacent to said opening 158, e.g. radially front of the opening, comprises a tilting plate 51. The tilting plate 51 may be spring loaded and have an idle or tilted state in which it projects or tilts into the associated tablet compartment thereby blocking the rotary movement of the adjacent flanges 154 of the compartment member 151 by the engagement of the tilting plate 51. This is particularly beneficial during transport of the assembled tablet cartridge unit 15 in use, since unintentional rotary movement between the compartment member 151 and the socket 155 may be prevented, thereby removing the risk of unintentional release of tablets from said tablet cartridge unit. The tilting plate 51 also have an aligned state, in which a top surface of the tilting plate 51 is aligned with the socket base plate 156. Hence, in the aligned state the top surface is flat with the socket base plate 156, thereby not preventing tablets to slide towards the opening 158. The tilting plate 51 may change from its idle state to its aligned state upon mounting into the support structure 13, whereby a member (not shown) of the support member 13 engages with the bottom surface of the tilting plate 51 thereby forcing the tilting plate from its idle state to its aligned state.

It should be appreciated that the tilting plate is not required to be provided straight in front of the opening 158 as shown in Figs 9b and 9c. The tilting plate 51 could be provided in the socket base plate at other positions, such as in adjacent tablet compartments sections. However, it should be appreciated that during transport it is preferred that the tablet compartment in which the tilting plate is provided is free from tablets, to prevent such tablets to fall out.

Fig. 9c shows an isometric view of an alternative socket 155 comprising both a stabilization element 52 and a tilting plate 51.

With reference to Figs la and lOa to lOc, the body 11 in a side wall thereof may be provided with an opening 16 for accessing a bottom portion of the tablet drop channel 12. A cup 30 may be introduced into the opening in use.

The tablet dispenser 10 may further comprise a sensor 17 for detecting the presence of a cup 30 when inserted through the opening 16. The opening 16 is in communication with the tablet drop channel.

A lift assembly 20 is arranged in the tablet dispenser 10 and arranged to move between different levels to thereby align with each tablet cartridge unit 15.

The lift assembly 20 may comprise a stationary guide rail 21. Moreover a bracket 22 is moveable along the guide rail 21, by the operation of an electric motor 23 operatively coupled to the bracket 22 via an associated driving belt 24. The electric motor 23 may be an electric step motor stationary arranged in the tablet dispenser as shown in Fig. 2c. By the operation of the electric motor the driving belt 24 connected to the bracket 22 will move the bracket 22 along the guide rail 22 such as to be aligned with the associated tablet cartridge units 15 and/or cartridge receiving members 131 provided one above the other at different levels adjacent to and along the guide rail 21.

The moveable member may be provided with a detector, e.g. a camera, (not shown) for detecting identity information (of the means of identification e.g. QR code, ID tag or ID label as explained above) of each tablet unit. The identity information at least comprises the type of tablets contained in the tablet cartridge unit 15, but could also include the number of tablets stored in each tablet compartment, if more than a single tablet is stored therein.

In use, the detector scans the QR code or ID label and checks it against the dosing schedule and patient information that available to a control unit of the tablet dispenser unit. The control unit, will prevent a tablet cartridge unit to be reused after running out of tablets, since the serial number of each tablet cartridge unit (optionally in conjunction with the stored use history of said tablet cartridge unit) may be stored by the control unit and be prevented from being re-used at a later stage after removal of the tablet cartridge unit from the tablet dispenser. A tablet cartridge unit with the wrong information may be prevented from being used since at least some information (e.g. patient ID, type of tablets, dosing regimen) of the tablet cartridge unit needs to match that already stored or expected by the control unit of the tablet dispenser unit. The detector may be controlled such as to scans all QR codes or ID labels each time the cover 11 of the tablet dispenser unit is closed. For this purpose a sensor for detecting when the cover 11 is closed may trigger a signal to the control unit to conduct a scan of the tablet cartridge units. It may also be arranged to scan the tablet cartridge units 15 immediately prior to dispensation of the medication.

The lift assembly 20 may be operatively associated with at least one spring loaded telescoping pushing member 25 for engaging the engagement surface 411 of the ridge pattern 41 of each tablet cartridge unit 15. In its idle state the spring loaded telescoping pushing member 25 is not in contact with the ridge pattern 41 or any of the associated engagement surfaces 411, see Figs 8a and 8b. The spring of the telescoping pushing member acts to move the telescoping pushing member to its idle state.

Upon engagement with a rotary member 26 of the lift assembly 20 the spring loaded telescoping pushing member may be pushed from its idle state to engage with an engagement surface 411, against the spring force of the spring, thereby rotating the compartment member 151 in relation to its socket 155 to align the next tablet compartment with the opening 158.

The rotary member 26 is thus able to both engage and disengage with the telescoping pushing member 25 in use. The rotary member 26 may have an arc shape for improving the engagement and disengagement of the telescoping pushing member. The rotary member 26 may be of an excenter type, thereby translating rotational movement of the rotary member 26 to a translational movement engaging/disengaging the telescoping pushing member 25 in use.

The rotary member 26 may be attached to the bracket 22 and its associated rotation be controlled by a servo motor 261. The axis of rotation of the rotary member may be parallel to the longitudinal extension of the guide rail 21. When the rotary member 26 returns to its idle position by the operation of the servo motor 261 it disengages from the associated telescoping pushing member 25, whereby the telescoping pushing member 25 returns to its idle state by means of the spring force of its associated spring. The servo motor 261 may also be attached to the bracket 22 thus following the movement of the bracket along the guide rail 21 upon the operation of the electric motor 23.

Hence, as the bracket 22 moves along the guide rail 21 the rotary member 26 will follow this movement. By providing a telescoping pushing member 25 in connection with each tablet cartridge unit 15, as shown in Figs 8a-8b, and lOa-lOb, the rotary member 26 may be moved by the electric motor along the guide rail 21 to a level associated with each tablet cartridge unit 15, to allow for engagement/disengagement between the rotary member 26 and the associated telescoping pushing member 25 for each tablet cartridge unit 15 by operation of the servo motor 261.

As shown in Figs 8a to 8b, the telescoping pushing member 25 may be connected to the cartridge receiving members 131 of the supporting structure 13. Moreover, the supporting structure 13 may comprise more than one cartridge receiving members 131, each arranged above the other in relation to the base 1 la of the tablet dispenser. Each cartridge receiving member may comprise a hollow channel section 132 constituting a part of the tablet drop channel 12. In this way, several cartridge receiving members 131 may be stacked one above the other and together form the tablet drop channel 12 via their respective hollow channel sections 132.

It should be appreciated that the operation of the lift assembly, including the operation of the electric motor 23, the detector, the rotary member 26 and the associated servo motor 261 may be controlled using a control unit having computer processing capabilities and associated memory for storage. It should be appreciated that all software related functions of the tablet dispenser unit, e.g. operation of the display operation, saving/updating/executing dosing regimens, buttons, communication interfaces (Ethernet, USB) may be controlled by a control unit having computer processing capabilities.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A compartment member (151) for a tablet cartridge unit, comprising:

a cylindrical cover sheet (152) on which at least one inner wall (153, 400) is arranged, wherein a number of flanges (154) are arranged on the cylindrical cover sheet (152) between the inner wall (153) and an outer boundary (200) of the cover sheet (152), and wherein an inner flange (1531) is arranged on the inner wall (153, 400), whereby two adjacent flanges (154), the inner wall (153), the cover sheet

(152), the outer boundary (200), a bottom side (bi_w) of the inner wall (153) together defines a tablet compartment for holding at least one tablet such that:

a height (h_c) of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance between a bottom side (bi_w) of the inner wall (153, 400) of the compartment member (151) to a bottom side (b_cs) of the cover sheet (152),

a length (1) of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance from the inner wall (153) to the outer boundary (200) of the compartment member (151),

an inner width (wi) of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance at the inner wall (153) between the adjacent flanges, and

an outer width (w₀) of the tablet compartment is defined as a distance at the outer boundary of the compartment member (151) between the adjacent flanges;

wherein the cover sheet (152) comprises a cylindrical ridge pattern (41) provided at a top side (T_cs) of the cover sheet (152), wherein in a sum of the a height (h_r) of the ridge pattern (41) and the height (h_c) of the tablet compartment is a total height (h) of the compartment member (151), and

wherein a maximum of two of the height (h_c), the length (1), the inner width (wi) and the outer width (w₀) are the same.

2. The compartment member (151) of claim 1, wherein the total height (h) of the compartment member (151) is in a range between 16 mm and 21 mm.

3. The compartment member (151) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the total height (h) of the compartment member (151) is 18,5 mm.

4. The compartment member (151) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer boundary (200) has a diameter (D_0b) in a range from 137 mm to 147 mm.

5. The compartment member (151) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer boundary (200) has a diameter (D_0b) of 142 mm.

6. The compartment member (151) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner flange (1531) has a diameter (D_f) and the inner wall (153, 400) has a diameter (DO such that the diameter (DO of the inner wall (153, 400) is larger than the diameter (DO of the inner flange (1531).

7. The compartment member (151) according to claim 6, wherein the diameter (DO of the inner wall (153) is larger than 87 mm.

8. The compartment member (151) according to claim 6, wherein the height of the compartment (h_c) is smaller than 13,6 mm. 9. The compartment member (151) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inner width (wi) and the outer width (w₀) are the same.

10. The compartment member (151) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the height (h_c), the length (1), the inner width (wi) and the outer width (w₀) are all different from each other.

11. The compartment member (151) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one inner wall (153, 400) comprises a first inner wall (153) and a second inner wall (400) wherein the diameter (DO of the first inner wall (153) is larger than a diameter of the second inner wall (400) and the inner flange (1531) is arranged on the second inner wall (400).

12. A tablet cartridge unit (15) for a tablet dispenser, comprising:

the compartment member of any of claims 1 - 11, and an associated socket (155) for detachably receiving the compartment member (151) in use, wherein the socket (155) comprises a cylindrical socket base plate (156) and an outer wall (157) extending at least partly along an outer boundary of the socket base plate (156), the outer wall (157) having an inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter of the cover sheet (152), thereby allowing the socket (155) to embrace the compartment member (152) in use, whereby two adjacent flanges (154), the inner wall (153), the cover sheet (152), the outer wall (157), and socket base plate (156) forms a tablet compartment for holding at least one tablet, and

wherein the socket base plate (156) comprises means (159) for detachably attaching the inner flange (1531) of the associated compartment member (151) to the socket (155), such that the compartment member (151) when attached is allowed to rotate in relation to the socket (155) such as to allow for rotary alignment of each tablet compartment and an opening (158) in use.

13. A tablet dispenser (10) comprising:

a body (11) having a base (1 la) for resting on the underlying foundation in use; the body (11) comprising

a tablet drop channel (12) extending in a direction at an angle (b) relative a base plane formed by the base (1 la);

at least two tablet cartridge units (15) according to claim 12; a support structure (13) for accommodating the at least two tablet cartridge units (15), the tablet cartridge units (15) being arranged one above the other in relation to the base (1 la), each tablet cartridge unit having an opening (158) allowing a tablet from the associated tablet cartridge unit (15) to be released into the tablet drop channel (12) by means of gravitational force, whereby each tablet cartridge unit (15) is inclined at an angle (a) relative the base plane.

14. The tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 13, wherein the at least two tablet cartridge units (15) comprises compartment members each having the same total height (h), the same inner flange diameter (D_f) and the same inner wall diameter (Di).

15. The tablet dispenser (10) according to one of the claims 13 to 14, wherein the tablet dispenser accommodates a plurality of tablet cartridge units (15), wherein at least one of the tablet cartridge units (15) comprises a tablet compartment member having tablet compartments which have a size of at least one of the height (h_c), the length (1), the inner width (wi) and the outer width (w₀) which is different from the corresponding sizes of the other tablet cartridge units (15). 16. The tablet dispenser (10) according to any of claims 13-15, further comprising a lift assembly (20), said lift assembly (20) comprising a bracket (22) being arranged to move along a guide rail (21) between different levels to thereby align with each tablet cartridge unit (15). 17. The tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 16, wherein the lift assembly

(20) comprises a detector for detecting identity information of each tablet unit, wherein said identity information at least comprises the type of tablets contained in the tablet cartridge unit (155). 18. The tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the lift assembly (20) is operatively coupled to at least one spring loaded telescoping pushing member (25) for engaging an engagement surface (411) of a ridge pattern (41) of a compartment member (151) of each tablet cartridge unit (15). 19. The tablet dispenser (10) according to claim 17, wherein the lift assembly

(20) further comprises a rotary member (26) for engaging/disengaging with the telescoping pushing member (25) in use.

20. The tablet dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 13-19, wherein the supporting structure (13) comprises at least two cartridge receiving members (131), each arranged above the other in relation to the base, wherein each cartridge member comprises a hollow channel section (132) constituting a part of the tablet drop channel (12).