Dispensing system and methods
US6151536A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/0092
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides exemplary dispensing systems and methods for dispensing medical supply items. According to one exemplary method, a dispensing cabinet is provided having a processor. An auxiliary storage location is also provided and is separate from the dispensing cabinet. The auxiliary storage location has at least one door and at least one lock to lock the door, with the lock being operable upon receipt of a signal from the processor. Further, the auxiliary storage location holds at least one medical supply item. User identification information and charge account information are entered into the processor to cause the processor to send a signal to unlock the lock. An item sensor on the dispensing cabinet is actuated to record removal of the medical supply item from the auxiliary storage location. The medical supply item is then removed from the auxiliary storage location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.