Pharmaceutical dispensing device and methods
US5745366A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H20/13
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for providing access to items to be dispensed and for maintaining an inventory of the items. According to one aspect of the invention, a dispensing unit is provided having an enclosure with an interior. A plurality of storage locations are distributed over a surface of the enclosure. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual storage locations are provided. The unit further includes a multiplicity of receptacles disposed within at least some of the storage locations. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual receptacles are provided. A processor is disposed on the enclosure and connected to receive signals from the storage location-associated sensors and the receptacle-associated sensors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.