Modular medication dispensing system and apparatus utilizing portable memory device
US4695954A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 1984 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61J7/0445
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system, apparatus and method for dispsensing medications prescribed by a doctor or other medical personnel. A portable memory device (such as a magnetic card) is used to store data representing prescription information. Prescription information is encoded into the memory device by a programming device located in a pharmacy. A container having a plurality of individual compartments is filled at the pharmacy with medications in accordance with the prescription information. The portable memory device and filled container are transported together to a medication dispenser located near a patient. The dispenser includes apparatus which reads the prescription information from the memory device and makes medications within the individual compartments available to the patient only at prescribed times. The medication dispenser also includes apparatus for monitoring whether or not the patient is complying with the prescribed medication schedule. Patient compliance information is stored within the memory device. The system also includes a monitor through which medical personnel can obtain a video display or printed record of the prescription information and patient compliance information sto…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.