Pill dispenser for refrigerator appliance
US11020320B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H40/67
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pill dispenser includes a housing and a slidable drawer with a dispenser cup therein. A storage cup is fixed within the housing. The pill dispenser also includes a movable probe, a flexible tip on the probe, and a suction pump in fluid communication with the flexible tip. The pill dispenser may be configured for and/or methods of operating the pill dispenser may include rotating the probe a position above the storage cup, translating the probe downward into the storage cup, and activating the suction pump. While the suction pump is active, the probe is translated to the position above the storage cup, rotated to a position above the dispenser cup, and translated downward into the dispenser cup. The suction pump is deactivated when the flexible tip is within the dispenser cup.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.