Secured dispensing cabinet and methods

ES 2 632 292 T3

DESCRIPTION

Safe supply cabinet and processes

Background of the invention

This invention relates generally to the field of supply and replenishment of articles, and in particular to the supply and replenishment of safe articles, such as, but not limited to, pharmaceuticals. More specifically, the invention relates to supply devices and processes for supplying a wide range of items on demand.

Many industries require items to be available for use in specific locations. For example, in the medicinal industry, physicians find it convenient to place medical supplies or pharmaceuticals close to patients to be treated. Depending on the type of items to be supplied, the environment in which the items are to be used, and the like, a variety of supply cabinets have been proposed. Such cabinets can be provided in a variety of sizes, configurations, and security levels, and many can be conveniently located close to where the items are to be used. Examples of various successful supply cabinets are described in US Patent Nos. 6,272,394; 6,385,505;

5,805,455; 5,805,456; 5,745,366; 5,905,653; 5,927,540; 6,039,467; 6,151,536; 5,377,864; and 5,190,185, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

From US 5 377 864 A a device for supplying articles and a process for configuring a supplying device according to the preamble of claims 1 and 28, respectively, is known.

From US 5 671 592 A a medicine packaging apparatus is known in which a medicine container corresponds to a prescription that is taken from medicine storage shelves to fix a medicine supply mechanism, which allows the medicine container to medicines are easily searched and identified.

From US 2001/029405 A1 an apparatus for supplying articles from a supplying unit is known. The supply unit comprises a plurality of locations in which articles are kept, a processor in which they are registered corresponding to the articles in the unit that are stored, and a plurality of article switches corresponding to the locations in those that are going to keep the articles. The item switches are connected to the processor such that a user of the supply unit can enter the records of items removed from the unit into the processor.

From US 4 225 056 A a computerized vending machine is known having a support structure in which a plurality of product supply trays are located. Each product supply tray has a product supply mechanism that includes a special arrangement, that is, a solenoid and a product dispenser capable of limiting rotational movement under solenoid control.

From US 5 912 818 A a system for tracking and supplying medical articles is known.

From EP 1 241 617 A a medicine feeding apparatus is known.

From US 6 062 438 A an apparatus is known for supplying a user-determined quantity of stored products by volume.

From DE 197 28 885 A1 a computer controlled object borrowing system is known.

From US 5 431 299 A a system for controlled supply and storage of drugs is known.

From US 6 163 737 A, US. 5 790 409 A, US 5 419 410 A and 5 267 174 A supply and / or delivery systems are known.

From EP 1 053 738 A2 an apparatus for loading a solid preparation is known for loading a designed solid preparation by prescription in a hospital and the like.

A replacement liner and methods for a delivery device are known from WO 98/26746 A2.

ES 2 632 292 T3

Brief Summary of the Invention

The invention provides various devices and methods for supplying and restocking articles. In some embodiments, said supply device comprises a cabinet having a front, a back, and a pair of sides that enclose an internal storage area. A supply frame is attached to the cabinet and, in some cases, can be configured to be removed from the interior. The delivery structure includes one or more dividers to which one or more delivery mechanisms that retain items to be delivered can be attached. A lockable door can be attached to the front of the cabinet so that the dispenser frame can be positioned at the front. Therefore, opening the door gives access to the dispenser frame. Additionally, a supply drawer can also be attached to the cabinet below the storage dispenser frame. In this way, items supplied from the supply mechanism can fall into the supply drawer.

A feature of the supply cabinet is that the dividers can be reconfigured such that different types and / or dispersions of supply mechanism can be provided in the same supply structure. Additionally, the supply drawer can be approximately the same width as the dispenser frame. For example, the dispenser frame and supply drawer can extend through the front of the cabinet. In this way, a single dispenser frame retains essentially all of the cabinet's delivery mechanisms, which can be accessed simply by pulling the dispenser frame away. However, it will be appreciated that multiple supply drawers can also be provided.

The dispensing cabinet may also have a computer system that is used to store information, such as patient information, nurse user information, refill user or pharmacist information, item information, and the like. The computer system can also be used to facilitate the operation of the supply cabinet, such as in controlling supply operations, refueling operations, and the like. The computer system can include various controllers, circuit boards, other circuits, or the like to determine the configuration of the divider, as well as to determine the directions of the delivery mechanisms and control their operation. For example, in one aspect, the computer system can include a circuit board that mounts to the dispenser frame and a controller that mounts to the cabinet frame.

The computer system can also be used to detect the configuration of the dividers. For example, in one aspect, the computer system can be used to poll as to whether a divider is present in a particular room in the dispenser structure. This information can then be stored in the memory of the computer.

The address location of each supply mechanism on a particular divider can also be detected and sent to the computer such that the items for each supply unit can be assigned and stored in the computer. Conveniently, the dividers may include interfaces to interact with the delivery mechanisms. When they are ready to assign an item to a delivery mechanism, a sensing mechanism, such as a button or switch, on the delivery unit can be actuated to create a detectable event, such as a short in a circuit. In this way, the location of the splitter can be determined and transmitted to the computer. The information in the item can then be entered into the computer such that the computer will have an address record for each delivery mechanism and its associated items.

Replenishment items in the supply cabinet, replenishment user identification information can be entered into the computer along with a request for replenishment items. If approved, a refill list can be generated by the computer and the refill user or pharmacist selected. This list can be transmitted from a host over a computer network. Optionally, a light on the door can illuminate and a button on the door can be pushed to open the door, although in some cases the door can be opened automatically so that no push of a button is required. The dispenser frame can then be pulled out of the cabinet to gain access to the dispensing mechanisms. However, in some cases, the dispensing mechanisms can be accessed without the need to pull the dispenser frame from the cabinet.

In one aspect, visual indicators, such as lights on delivery mechanisms in need of refueling, may flash. The refueling technician can then activate the detection mechanism on one of the dispensing mechanisms that has a flashing light to tell the computer that that particular dispensing mechanism needs to be refueled. The light can then illuminate continuously and the name of the item to be replenished can be displayed on the computer. Optionally, the count of any existing item can be verified. You can also verify the expiration dates. Items can be replenished in the dispensing mechanism, their number entered, and the sensing mechanism triggered to indicate that the replenishment is complete for that dispensing mechanism. The light can be turned off later and the process repeated for another delivery mechanism.

ES 2 632 292 T3

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a supply cabinet in accordance with the invention.

Figure 1A is a detailed view of a part of a shelf of the cabinet of Figure 1.

Figure 2 illustrates a pharmaceutical supply unit f of the cabinet of Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates the unit of Figure 2 having delivery mechanisms and showing an open front door.

Figure 4 illustrates the unit of Figure 3 with a dispenser structure having the delivery mechanism removed.

Figure 5 is a more detailed view of the dispenser structure and dispenser mechanisms of the figure

4.

Figure 5A illustrates a supply coil of a particular supply mechanism.

Figure 5B illustrates a group of delivery mechanisms in accordance with the invention.

Figure 5c is a more detailed view of a cassette-type delivery mechanism in accordance with the invention.

Figure 6 illustrates the dispenser structure of Figure 4 with the delivery mechanism removed.

Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process for reconfiguring dividers in a dispenser frame.

Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for assigning items to delivery mechanisms.

Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method for restocking items.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for supplying articles.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention provides exemplary delivery devices that can be easily reconfigured, as well as refilled, among other features. Supply devices may have a supply unit that is secured within a cabinet, with access provided only to authorized persons. The supply unit may contain a variety of supply mechanisms containing each of the items to be supplied. Such an arrangement is particularly well suited for items that need to be secured, such as medicines, drugs, and the like. If a nurse user is authorized, such items can be supplied from the supply unit where they can fall into a supply drawer that can be pulled from the cabinet to access the items.

The delivery unit may include a dispenser structure that contains the delivery mechanisms. The dispenser frame can also be removed from the cabinet to give access to the dispensing mechanisms. Additionally, the dispenser structure can include reconfigurable dividers that contain the delivery mechanisms. In this way, a wide variety of delivery mechanism arrangements can be provided by reconfiguring the dividers and / or the location of delivery mechanisms in the dividers. Additionally, various types of delivery mechanisms can be accommodated.

To reconfigure the unit, the dispenser frame can be removed and the dividers reconfigured. Also, the delivery mechanisms can be plugged into different locations on the dividers. Various sensing or sensing mechanisms can be used to determine the configuration of the dividers and the directions of the delivery mechanisms in the dividers such that the computer system can associate the items with each of the delivery mechanisms. For example, when reconfiguring the location of a delivery mechanism, a sensing mechanism, such as a button, may be pressed on the delivery mechanism to indicate a new location of the delivery mechanism. This is in stark contrast to prior art systems where physical address labels are placed on each divider. If the configuration of each system changes, these labels need to be changed as well.

Such an arrangement also facilitates initial storage and replenishment. To initially store a

ES 2 632 292 T3 delivery mechanism, a sensing mechanism, such as a button on the delivery mechanism, can be depressed to identify the delivery mechanism. The type and quantity of the item to be stored can later be entered into the computer. By pressing the button, the computer can detect the dispensing mechanism being accessed and can assign the item to that address.

For replenishment, a replenishment list can be selected. The supply cabinet computer can be coupled to a network to allow various replenishment information to be downloaded to the computer. This information can be stored on the computer, or it can also be accessed when the network is needed. Visual indicators, such as lights, LEDs or the like, on the dispensing mechanism to be refilled can be subsequently activated to guide the refueling user or pharmacist through the refueling process. The button on the dispensing mechanism can be pressed to identify the dispensing mechanism being refilled, and the expected quantity can be displayed on the display screen. A count, dispensing mechanism replenishment, and quantity entered can be verified.

Referring now to Figure 1, one embodiment of a supply cabinet 10 will be described. The cabinet 10 can be conveniently constructed from a cabinet frame 12 with various transparent panels 14. Cabinet 10 further includes a pair of doors 16 and 18 that enclose a series of shelves 20 within cabinet 10. As also shown in Figure 1A, shelves 20 can be conveniently divided into various storage locations using adjustable dividers 22. Additionally, associated with each storage location may be item button 24 which can be pressed to record the removal of items from or the location of the items at each storage location. A light 26 can also be positioned adjacent to each item button to guide the refueling user to a specific storage location. Additionally, a tag 28 may be associated with each storage location that includes information about items stored in a particular storage location. Optionally, doors 16 and 18 can be locked and only open when identifying information has been entered into a computer 30. Therefore, to remove an item from one of the shelves 20, a nurse user can enter suitable identification information into the computer 30.

To facilitate information entry, the computer 30 includes a traditional keyboard 32 and a keyboard pad 33 containing numeric keys. A pad 33a may be arranged on the keyboard pad 33 and used to control an indicator on a display screen 34. The key pad 33 disposed below are keys for controlling the contrast of the display screen 34 and controlling the sound that can be output from a speaker 33b. The keyboard 32 disposed below is a receipt port 33c through which printed receipts can pass. Conveniently, the panel containing the keyboard 32 can be turned downward to gain access to the receipt printer.

One use of various input devices in computer 30 is to allow the nurse user to select one or more items to be removed. Conveniently, a list of items and the information entered can be conveniently displayed on the display screen 34. Additionally, the display screen 34 may be a display touch screen that allows various items to be selected simply by touching them on the display screen 34. Computer 30 can be coupled to any type of computer network to allow various information to be supplied to computer 30. For example, a replenishment list can be transmitted from a central server or host computer system.

When suitable items have been selected, doors 16 and 18 can be unlocked (in case doors 16 and 18 are already locked) and appropriate lights 26 can be illuminated to guide the nurse user to the selected items. After removal of the items, the nurse user may press the item buttons 24 a series of times corresponding to the number of items removed. A similar process can be used to restock items at warehousing locations. A further discussion of such a process is described in US Patent Nos. 6,272,394; 6,385,505; 5,805,455; 5,805,456; 5,745,366; 5,905,653; 5,927,540; 6,039,467; 6,151,536, previously incorporated herein by reference and will not be described further.

Cabinet 10 further includes a pharmacy section 36 with various drawers 38 to hold pharmaceutical items or other types of items that need additional security. When suitable information has been entered into the computer 30, the appropriate drawers 38 can be unlocked and the lights 40 in the illuminated drawers guide the nurse user to the appropriate doors. The drawers 38 may conveniently include various containers that may optionally have lockable lids to provide additional security to the items. The lids correspond to containers that have selected items that can be unlocked and nurse users can be guided to the unlocked containers using lights in a manner similar to those described with shelves 20. Examples of various types of drawer and container arrangements that can be used in pharmacy section 36 can be found in at least some of US Patent Nos. 6,272,394; 6,385,505; 5,805,455; 5,805,456; 5,745,366; 5,905,653; 5,927,540; 6,039,467; 6,151,536, previously incorporated herein by reference and will not be described further.

ES 2 632 292 T3

The pharmacy section 36 further includes a supply unit 42 which is also illustrated in great detail with reference to Figures 2-5. In summary, the supply unit 42 comprises a supply unit frame 44 insertable into a cabinet 10 frame. Attached to the supply unit frame 44 is a door 46 which can be opened to provide access to a supply structure 48 (see FIG. 3). As described in more detail herein, the dispenser frame 48 can be removed from the supply unit frame 44 to give access to various delivery mechanisms 50 (see for example Figures 4 and 5). As best shown in FIG. 2, the forward disposed dispenser structure 48 is in a supply drawer 52 that receives items that drop from the supply mechanism 50 after said items have been selected in the computer 30 (see FIG. 1). Conveniently, the dispensing drawer 52 may include a light 54 to guide the nurse user to the dispensing drawer during dispensing operations. Conveniently, a handle 56 (see Figures 1 and 2) is provided on door 46 to facilitate opening of door 46.

In some cases, supplied items may be needed to return to cabinet 10. In some situations, various laws and regulations prohibit the supply of items that are placed back into cabinet 10. As such, attached to cabinet 10 may be a return unit 58 having a sliding (or revolving) door 60 that can be opened to allow the item to be placed in unit 58. When the item returns, information regarding the return can be entered into the order 30. Conveniently, a light 62 on the return unit 58 can be turned on to indicate to the nurse user that the item can be returned. The return unit 58 is preferably configured such that once the item is placed in the unit, the item cannot be returned from the unit 58 unless a user restocks or a technician is authorized to access the unit. return unit 58. For example, a replenishment technician may be required to enter suitable information into computer 30 to cause return unit 58 to unlock to allow access to items within return unit 58.

Although a specific arrangement of cabinet 10 has been described, it will be appreciated that supply unit 42 can be used with a variety of supply cabinets. For example, the supply unit 42 may be placed within a cabinet that is used solely for dispensing pharmaceuticals and may only include drawers similar to drawers 38. As another alternative, the supply unit 42 can be placed in a cabinet that only includes shelves that are similar to shelves 20. Additionally, the supply unit 42 can be used in cabinets that have multiple shelves and / or drawers that are placed side by side in a vertical arrangement. Also, the supply cabinet can include multiple supply units 42. These can be the same size, or they can be a different size. Additionally, in some cases such supply cabinets may include other types of shelves, shelves, drawers, and the like to facilitate storage of items. Different examples of shelves, shelves, and drawer designs are described in US Patent Nos. 6,272,394; 6,385,505; 5,805,455; 5,805,456; 5,745,366; 5,905,653; 5,927,540; 6,039,467; 6,151,536; 5,377,864; and 5,190,185, previously incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to Figures 2-6, the construction and operation of the supply unit 42 will be described in more detail. As shown in Figure 3, door 46 is attached to frame 44 using hinges 64. These allow door 46 to be opened to gain access to dispenser frame 48. Conveniently, the arms 66 can be used to limit the reach to which the door 46 can be opened such that it does not interfere with the opening of the supply drawer 52 as best illustrated in FIG. 4. Conveniently, the dispenser frame 48 and frame 44 include a tracking system 68 and 70 (a supply drawer 52 and frame 44 may also include a similar tracking system) to allow the drawer 52 and dispenser frame 48 to be linked. can be easily removed from frame 44 as shown in Figure 4.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the dispenser frame 48 is constructed of a rectangular frame 72 having a front portion 74, a rear portion 76, and two sides 78 and 80. Frame 72 is generally open except for a group of Adjustable dividers 82 that are positioned between front 74 and rear 76. Optionally, another divider may be attached to side 78 as illustrated in Figure 6.

Front 74 and rear 76 may include a group of mechanical interfaces, such as slots, recesses, grooves, cutouts, or the like to interface with tabs, bumps, or the like on dividers 82. In this way, a blind mating connection between dividers 82 and frame 72 can be easily displayed. Additionally, screws 84 can be used to securely attach dividers 82 to frame 72 once in place. By providing a series of mechanical interfaces, the placement of dividers 82 on dispenser frame 48 can be varied along front 74 and rear 76. Additionally, any number of dividers 82 may be attached to dispenser frame 48 . In this way, the wide variety of delivery mechanisms to be coupled to dividers 82 can be accommodated. Rear 76 may also include a series of electrical interfaces that interface with electrical interfaces on dividers 82 when mechanically coupled to dispenser frame 48. The dispenser structure 48 may also include a circuit card 86 (see Figure 6) that can be used to facilitate communications between the circuits associated with the dividers 82 and the computer 30. One capability of the circuits used with cabinet 10 is the ability to detect the specific configuration of dividers 82 within the

ES 2 632 292 T3 dispenser structure 48. For example, suitable circuitry in combination with computer 30 can be used to poll each of the interfaces to determine if one of the splitters 82 connects to that interface. This can be detected, for example, by detecting a short or low voltage signal that is created when divider 82 is coupled to a specific electrical interface.

Therefore, the supply unit 42 may include a single dispenser structure 48 that is essentially the same width as the supply drawer 52 that is positioned below the dispenser structure 48. Additionally, the supply drawer 52 may be essentially the same width as other drawers and / or shelves in the supply cabinet. In this way, a single dispenser frame can be employed to contain a wide variety of delivery mechanisms that can all be accessed simultaneously by removing the dispenser frame 48. Additionally, the configuration of the dispenser structure 48 can be easily and simply varied by changing the configuration and / or number of dividers 82 that are included within the dispenser structure 48. Additionally, the configuration of dividers 82 can be automatically detected such that the supply cabinet will know the configuration of dividers that will subsequently be needed for supply and / or replenishment operations as described in more detail hereinafter.

Each splitter 82 includes mechanical interfaces 88 and electrical interfaces 90 that are used to receive delivery mechanisms 50. As will be appreciated, a wide variety of delivery mechanisms can be used. For convenience of discussion, the supply mechanisms will generally be referred to as 50. Specific types of delivery mechanisms will use the same reference numeral followed by an "a", "b", and so on. For example, delivery mechanisms 50a is a syringe-type dispenser, a delivery mechanism 50b is cassette-type dispensers. Conventionally, two delivery mechanisms 50b can be coupled together to form a dual cassette dispenser. The mechanical interfaces 88 may conveniently comprise a threaded opening to receive a screw. Also, it will be appreciated that other connectors may be used, such as a quick release mechanism, retainers, snaps, other toolless connections, and the like. As best shown in FIG. 4, the delivery mechanisms 50b are screwed to one of the dividers 82 using a screw 92. The delivery mechanism 50b then extends to an adjacent divider 82 to allow an electrical interface 94 on the delivery mechanism 50b to interfere with the electrical interface 90 of the divider 82. In this way, delivery mechanism 50b can be attached to dispenser frame 48 in a "plug and play" manner simply by plugging the delivery mechanism into the appropriate electrical interface 90 and then using screw 92 to screw in the mechanism. supply to mechanical interface 88. The other delivery mechanisms can be connected to dividers 82 in a similar manner.

As described above, dividers 82 can be placed in any configuration to accommodate the number, and / or size and / or type of delivery mechanism 50 that can be used. For example, while illustrated with various specific types of delivery mechanisms, it will be appreciated that a wide variety of other delivery mechanisms can be utilized that are capable of delivering particles based on electrical signals that are passed through the electrical interface 90 to through the control circuit board 86. Some examples of such delivery mechanisms that can be used are described in US Patent Nos. 5,377,864; and 5,190,185, incorporated herein by reference. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the invention is not intended to be limited to a specific type of delivery mechanism.

In order to control supply and replenishment operations, computer 30 (see FIG. 1) needs to know the address of each supply mechanism and the type of item stored in that supply mechanism. This can be easily accomplished because the location of each divider 82 in the dispenser frame 48 is determined automatically. In a similar way, the direction of each delivery mechanism 50 can be determined using a similar polling process in that each delivery mechanism is electrically coupled to one of the dividers 82. Conveniently, each delivery mechanism 50 may include a button 96 that can be depressed by the refueling user to produce a detectable event, such as a short or a low voltage signal that can be detected by a circuit board that is positioned within each divider. The circuit boards are arranged below the connectors and contain address information for each delivery mechanism. Circuit boards can also be used to control the actuation of the delivery mechanism and any sensing mechanism. Address information can be transmitted from the circuit boards to computer 30. In this way, computer 30 can know the address of a particular delivery mechanism when button 96 is depressed. At the same time, the replenishment user can assign a given item to that particular delivery mechanism and enter it into computer 30 such that computer 30 will have a record of the addresses of each delivery mechanism and its associated item. Conveniently, the delivery mechanisms 50 may also include lights 97 that can be used to guide a refueling technician to a particular delivery mechanism during refueling operations as described in more detail below. In some cases, light can be provided in the divider, and the delivery mechanisms 50 can have a light tube, such as a plastic conduit, to visualize the light. In some cases, delivery mechanisms may include an identifier that uniquely identifies each delivery mechanism. This information can be detected by circuit boards and sent to computer 30 such that computer 30 can assign a specific delivery mechanism to

ES 2 632 292 T3 a specific location. If the particular delivery mechanism is removed to another location, the computer 30 can detect this displacement and produce a warning signal. Examples of identifiers that can be used include RFID tags, EPROM chips, barcodes, and the like. If such identifiers are used, configuration of the delivery unit may occur automatically because the computer 30 will know each specific delivery mechanism and its location upon connection of the delivery mechanism.

Referring now to Figures 3-5, delivery mechanisms 50a will be described. However, as previously stated, the dispenser structure 48 can utilize a wide variety of delivery mechanisms and the invention is not intended to be limited to a specific type of delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanisms 50a each comprise a housing 98 having an opening of 100 that is configured to receive articles in stacked form. For example, opening 100 can be conveniently used to store syringes. Disposed at the bottom of the supply mechanism 50a is a supply arrangement that is operated by a solenoid to supply a single item each time the solenoid is operated. Alternatively, the supply may occur by motor drive, other mechanical drives, or the like. Therefore, after receiving signals from the computer 30, the circuit board within the appropriate divider can be used to send a signal to the appropriate solenoid, motor, or other mechanism to cause a supply arrangement to operate and provide a single item. The supplied item then falls into a supply drawer 52 which can be pulled from cabinet 10 to access the supplied item. A more detailed description of how a delivery arrangement can function is set forth in US Patent No. 5,377,864; and 5,190,185, previously incorporated herein by reference.

It will be appreciated that other delivery mechanisms can be used to contain other types of items such as bottles, ampoules, cassettes, pills, tablets, other oral solids, and the like. For example, delivery mechanisms 50b can be used to deliver pill packs, small ampoules, bottles, and the like. The delivery mechanisms 50b include a motor having a vertically oriented output shaft. Coupled to the output shaft is a gear system that is used to rotate a helical coil 302 that surrounds a shaft that is contained within a housing 305. As best seen in Figure 5A, a bottle 304 is located on the coil. 302 and moves down when coil 302 rotates. When the bottle 304 reaches the bottom of the coil 302 it is dispensed and falls into the supply drawer 52. Therefore, they can be supplied from the delivery mechanisms 50b simply by sending a suitable signal from the computer 30 to the motor that rotates the coil 302.

When other types of delivery mechanisms are used, circuit board 86 can be configured to send other signals to activate other types of equipment. For example, other types of supplies that can be used are described in Figure 5B. These can be conveniently coupled to dividers 82 in a manner similar to that described above. One of these delivery mechanisms is a small cassette type dispenser 50c that is similar to the delivery mechanism 50b except for its size. Delivery mechanism 50c is particularly useful when dispensing pill packs. Another delivery mechanism is a 5 ml bottle delivery mechanism 50d having a solenoid actuated in a manner similar to the delivery mechanism 50a. A 5 ml ampoule delivery mechanism 50e is also shown which delivers 5 ml ampoules using a solenoid in a manner similar to the delivery mechanism 50a. A large cassette delivery mechanism 50f is employed to deliver pill packs, small ampoules, and bottles. The delivery mechanism 50f may be motor driven in a manner similar to the delivery mechanism 50b.

The delivery mechanism 50d is illustrated in greater detail in Figure 5 and is constructed of a housing 300 containing a solenoid. The solenoid is used to operate a trap door system similar to that described in connection with the delivery mechanism 50a to deliver its contents. As also shown in FIG. 5, the delivery mechanism 50d includes an electrical connector 91 that is configured to insert into a connector 90 when the delivery mechanism 50d is coupled to a splitter.

Therefore, by utilizing a reconfigurable divider system, and by configuring the divider in such a way that a wide variety of delivery mechanisms can be interfaced in a plug-and-play manner, the dispenser frame 48 can be easily configured to accommodate to a wide variety of types of delivery mechanism, as well as provisions. The divider configurations can be automatically determined and addressed for each of the delivery mechanisms which can be easily assigned as appropriate circuits can easily detect the location of each delivery mechanism and can supply this information to the computer 30 where Items can be assigned to specific delivery mechanisms. Although not intended to be limited, Tables 1-5 below illustrate various types of arrangements that are possible with the dispenser structure 48.

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TABLE 1

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

Table 1 describes an arrangement in which the dispenser frame 48 is configured to contain a maximum of five cassette-type delivery mechanisms through the dispenser frame.

TABLE 2.

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

Table 2 shows an arrangement where the dispenser frame can contain a maximum of two syringe-type delivery mechanisms and one cassette-type delivery mechanism through the dispenser frame.

ES 2 632 292 T3

TABLE 3

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

Table 3 illustrates an arrangement to contain a maximum of one syringe-type delivery mechanism and three cassette-type delivery mechanisms through the dispenser frame. The configuration between the syringe-type delivery mechanisms and the cassette-type delivery mechanisms can be configured by removing and replacing the dividers 82 as described above.

TABLE 4

<td colspan="4">Top view</td>

<td colspan="2">Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td colspan="2">Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td colspan="2">Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td colspan="2">Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td colspan="2">Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Syringe dispenser</td>

Table 4 illustrates a configuration that has dividers that define two wide spaces and a single wide space. 10 The double wide spaces can be used to hold syringe-type dispensers while the single wide space can contain cassette-type dispensers. Additionally, one of the double spaces can also be used to also contain two cassette-type delivery mechanisms.

ES 2 632 292 T3

TABLE 5

<td colspan="5">Top view</td>

<td colspan="2">Syringe dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

<td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td><td>Cassette dispenser</td>

Table 5 illustrates a dispenser frame configuration that has dividers defining a double wide space and three wide spaces containing two cassette-type dispensers in addition to the syringe-type dispensers.

Another feature of the supply unit 42 is that the circuit card 86 is incorporated into the dispenser structure 48. In this form, the circuit board 86 can be easily accessed for maintenance, repair, or simply replacement by removing the dispenser frame 48 from the supply unit 42. Additionally, incorporating circuit board 86 into dispenser frame 48 allows dividers to be electrically coupled to electrical connectors using a blind mating connection. Circuit card 86 may be a passive connector card that commands channels to other cards used in connection with the supply cabinet. These other controllers can be on the same internal communication bus and can be used to filter communications on non-working cards to allow the system to continue operating with a problem component. Circuit card 86 can be electrically coupled to another controller (which in turn can be coupled to frame 44 and electrically connected to computer 30) using various ribbon cables or other communication devices. These cables can be routed along the sides of the unit 42 so as not to interfere with the travel of the dispenser frame 48 when it is removed and pushed back to the supply unit 42. The control card in frame 44 can be used as the main controller to operate the components associated with supply unit 42. Its functions may include manipulating and distributing power to components in supply unit 42, generating module communications and interacting with the supply cabinet communication bus, and the like. The communications generated may include, but are not limited to, reading hardware configuration, self-calibrating a supply sensor system, and running diagnostic scripts.

Various security features can also be provided to the supply unit 42. For example, as best shown in Figure 3, door 46 may include an opening 108 to receive a latch from a latch mechanism 109 that can be used to lock door 46 to frame 44. In this way, it can be preventing access to the trigger frame 48 until suitable identification information is entered into the computer 30. After such information has been entered, computer 30 may send a signal to operate a latch mechanism 109 and allow door 46 to unlock.

Another feature is the use of a detection system to detect when items have been supplied from the

ES 2 632 292 T3 dispensing mechanisms 50 as they fall into the dispensing drawer 52. The sensing mechanism can transmit a beam or other signal below the supply mechanisms that can be interrupted when items fall into the supply drawer 52. An example type of detection system comprises IR detectors (hidden from view) and transmitters 111 (see Fig. 6). IR emitters 111 may be arranged along one of the dividers 82 to emit signals that are directed to the opposing dividers 82 that contain the detectors. In this way, the signal is sent laterally between the dividers. The detection system may also have an automatic calibration feature for each IR emitter-detector. A calibration can be performed just before a supply event. Such calibration can be beneficial in cases where light conditions change over time, such as a bright day when light enters when opening the structure. By calibrating just before delivery, the detection system can be configured to detect delivery, even under different lighting conditions. As an alternative, each delivery mechanism can be associated with its own sensor, including any of those described herein. In this way, each time a particular delivery mechanism supplies an item, the sensor can be correlated to supply with the particular delivery mechanism. Another way to achieve this feature is by using a second set of emitters and detectors that are mounted across the entire length of the dispenser structure (such as between front 74 and rear 76 as shown in Figure 6). In this way, two groups of emitters and detectors are positioned perpendicular to each other. In this way, the X and Y position of the item can be detected when it is dropped from the delivery mechanism. This information can be sent to computer 30 to indicate the exact dispenser from which the item is supplied.

Another example of such a detection system may be a vertical cavity surface emission laser detection system (VCSEL). Said system comprises a laser that transmits a signal through the lower part of the delivery mechanisms 50. The laser is configured to reflect off a micro prism reflector such that the signal can be reflected back to a location close to the laser source. If this signal varies, it can be used to detect that an item has been delivered. Said detection system may be a Honeywell VCSEL laser detection system. In this way, a confirmation that an item has indeed been delivered can be made when requested by the nurse user on a computer 30. Such a detection system is advantageous in that it reduces calibration times and is capable of detecting through the entire dispenser structure to reduce or eliminate errors.

With reference to FIG. 7, a method for configuring dividers 82 on dispenser frame 84 will now be described. Conveniently, the process illustrated in FIG. 7 can be described in relation to supply cabinet 10 and supply unit 42 as just described in relation to FIGS. 1-6. Initially, the refueling user can log into the system using computer 30 and placing computer 30 in configuration mode. The replenishment user can then specify a zone to receive the supply unit 42 such that its position within cabinet 10 is known. To configure the dividers, the dispenser frame is accessed as shown in step 120. This can be conveniently accomplished by removing the dispenser frame 48 from the supply unit 42. The dividers can then be reconfigured to the desired position as illustrated in step 122. The control circuit board 86 can then be used to detect reconfiguration of the dividers as illustrated in step 124. This information is transmitted to the computer 30 for storage as shown in step 126. Optionally, computer 30 can be configured to allow the refueling user to manually enter the splitter settings such that a detection system would not be needed.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a method for configuring delivery mechanisms within dispenser structure 48 will be described. Initially, the replenishment user registers as illustrated in step 128 by entering the appropriate information into computer 30. The replenishment user can then select a modification mode in computer 30 as illustrated in step 130. Optionally, the door 46 in the supply unit 42 may include a button 57 that the refueling user can push to unlock the door 46 as illustrated in step 132. By doing this, the latch mechanism 109 operates to unlock the latch. such that the refueling user can open the door. As shown in step 134, the refueling user can then pull the dispenser frame 48 out of the supply cabinet. As described above, a feature of the invention is that a single dispenser structure can be employed such that the replenishment user can conveniently access all dividers when the delivery mechanisms are reconfigured.

Once the dispenser structure is removed, the refueling user can select a specific delivery mechanism to modify as shown in step 136. The type of modification may depend on whether the delivery mechanism is already coupled to a divider and needs simply be reassigned to a new type of item, or if the delivery mechanism is a new delivery mechanism to be attached to the divider. A query as to this effect is illustrated in step 138. If the delivery mechanism is a new delivery mechanism to be added to the splitter, the delivery mechanism is installed in the dividers as illustrated in step 140. As As described above, this can be accomplished by screwing a screw 92 into a mechanical interface 88. As shown in step 142, button 96 can be subsequently pressed to identify computer 30 for the specific delivery mechanism being modified. This process is done

ES 2 632 292 T3 for new mechanisms and for existing supply mechanisms. The display screen 34 may then allow the replenishment user to select an item to associate with the selected delivery mechanism as illustrated in step 144. Because the computer 30 knows the correct delivery mechanism in a given divider once button 96 is pressed, it can assign that delivery mechanism to the selected item. As shown in step 146, the replenishment user can also enter the item quantity into the supply mechanism. Steps 136-146 can then be repeated to modify other supply units. When the process is finished the dispenser frame can be placed back in the supply cabinet and the door closed as illustrated in step 148.

To restock the replenishment supply cabinet 10, a replenishment technician logs into computer 30 as illustrated in step 150 of Figure 9. The replenishment technician may be required to enter username and password information that is compared against a list of individuals who are authorized to have access to the supply unit 42. If accepted, the replenishment technician can select the replenishment mode as illustrated in step 152. The computer 30 may have a record of all the items stored in the supply unit 42 along with their quantity. Additionally, a computer 30 may include a replenishment list that is received from the pharmacy indicating which items are to be replenished, and may also include a quantity for replenishment. The replenishment technician can then select a replenishment list displayed on the display screen 34 as illustrated in step 154.

Once the replenishment list has been selected, button 57 may illuminate (and optionally flash) to indicate to the replenishment technician when a replenishment should occur. Button 57 can be depressed causing door 46 to unlock as illustrated in step 156. Door 46 can be subsequently opened and dispenser frame 148 pulled from supply unit 42 as shown in step 158 . Conveniently, all of the lights 97 on the supply mechanism 50 that need to be refueled can flash to guide the refueling technician to the supply mechanisms that need to be refilled as illustrated in step 160. The refueling technician can then select one of the delivery mechanisms to be replenished and pressing the associated button 96. This causes associated light 97 to stop flashing and illuminate continuously as illustrated in step 162. Display screen 34 on computer 30 may also list the item that is associated with the delivery mechanism being restocked as illustrated. at 164. The inventory information associated with the listed item may also be displayed on display screen 34. Optionally, the replenishment technician may be asked to verify the number of items within the dispensing mechanism 50 as illustrated in step 166. To facilitate item counting, an "empty dispenser" icon may be selected on screen 34 display, and one of the buttons 96 may be depressed to dispense all the items. Therefore, the replenishment technician can manually count the items in the dispensing mechanism and enter this information into the computer 30. If needed, the quantity can be changed and stored in the computer 30. In most cases, without However, no re-counting will be needed because the sensors detect when the items have been delivered. In cases where a supplied item is not needed (such as when the patient has fallen asleep), the item is still detected, but can be returned to the side tray. As shown in step 168, the restocking technician can then restock the items in the supply mechanism 50 and enter the appropriate quantity. Button 96 can then be depressed to indicate that replenishment of this delivery mechanism is complete as illustrated in step 170. Conveniently, light 97 can then be turned off to indicate that replenishment is complete. As shown at step 172, the refueling technician can then determine if additional supply mechanisms need to be refueled. If so, steps 162 to 170 are repeated. If not, the process ends at step 174. The restocking technician can then push into the dispenser frame 48 and close the door 46 which is then locked.

Therefore, replenishment can easily occur by simply removing the dispenser frame 48 to gain access to all delivery mechanisms. Additionally, the refueling technician is guided to the specific supply mechanisms that need refueling. Conveniently, computer 30 can be coupled to a network such that replenishment information can be conveniently downloaded to the computer (such as from a pharmacy) to facilitate the replenishment process.

Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary method of dispensing items from the dispensing unit 42 of cabinet 10. Initially, the nurse user logs into the computer 30 as illustrated in step 176. This may require the nurse user to enter the username and password information to determine if the nurse user can access the items stored in the supply unit 42. As shown in step 178, patient information and identification can also be entered. The computer 30 can then be placed in delivery mode and the nurse user can enter a certain medication to be delivered as illustrated in step 180. Conveniently, this medication can be selected from a list displayed on the display screen 34. . The nurse user may also be required to enter a dose as illustrated in step 182. Optionally, the nurse user may also be asked to verify the amount to be delivered. If the nurse user wishes to supply more than one item, the process proceeds to step 184 where steps 180 and 182 can be repeated for each additional item. Once all the items have been selected, the process continues to step 186.

ES 2 632 292 T3

At step 186, the appropriate delivery mechanisms 50 deliver the appropriate number of drugs that fall into the delivery drawer 52. Conveniently, the light 54 on the supply drawer 52 may illuminate to indicate that the supply drawer has the items supplied as shown in step 188. The nurse user can then remove the drawer 52 as shown in step 190 and remove the drug delivered as illustrated in step 192. Finally, drawer 52 is closed as shown in step 194.

In some circumstances, the nurse user may wish to return one or more items, as illustrated in step 196. If so, the nurse user may select a return mode to computer 30 as illustrated in step 198. Light 62 in the return unit 58 it can then illuminate to guide the nurse user to the appropriate location to return the supplied items as shown in step 200. Door 60 can later be opened and the item returned as illustrated in step 202. The process then ends at step 204.

The invention has now been described in detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims.