Electronic pillbox for administering a multiple-drug therapy
US5990782A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61J7/0454
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electronic pillbox includes a plurality of compartments for storing different medications, an LCD-based user interface for interacting with a user, and a software-programmable electronic computer for controlling the administration functions of the pillbox. The pillbox may also include a battery and one or more types of alarms. Using the user interface, a user can schedule a multiple drug therapy by inputting sleeping pattern data and a dosage amount for a particular compartment. The computer automatically calculates the dosage schedule based on this information, and automatically recalculates the schedule if this information is altered by the user. A visual indicator on the user interface is illuminated when a particular medication is to be taken, and at the same time an audible and/or mechanical alarm may be activated. The combination of the visual and audible or mechanical alarms ensures that the correct medication is administered according to the programmed schedule.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.