Tablet and capsule dispensing assembly

Abstract

A dispensing assembly which includes a case having a superior component and inferior component, the superior component and inferior component operatively arranged to form a first cavity therebetween. A tablet disc is arranged within the first cavity having a plurality of tablets disposed about a circumference of the tablet disc, where the tablet disc is arranged to rotate about a central axis and within the case. The assembly further includes a lock to prevent rotation of the tablet disc in a first rotational direction during a first predetermined time interval. The lock includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a display and a first circuit connected to the display. The second component includes an actuator, a catch, a plurality of teeth on an outer circumferential surface of the second component, and a ratchet operatively arranged to engage with the plurality of teeth and the case.

Claims

1. A tablet and capsule dispensing assembly, comprising: a case having a superior component and an inferior component, the superior component and the inferior component operatively arranged to form a first cavity therebetween, the superior component comprising an inner circumferential surface including a first plurality of teeth; a tablet disc arranged within the first cavity, the tablet disc having a plurality of tablets disposed about a circumference of the tablet disc, and arranged to rotate within the case; and, a lock arranged to prevent rotation of the tablet disc in a first rotational direction during a first predetermined time interval, the lock comprising: a first component, the first component comprising: a display and a first circuit electrically connected to the display; and, a second component, the second component comprising: an actuator; a pivotable catch arranged to engage with the first plurality of teeth to prevent rotational movement of the lock in the first rotational direction with respect to the case; a second plurality of teeth disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the second component; and, a ratchet operatively arranged to engage with the second plurality of teeth and the case.

2. The tablet and capsule dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the superior component further comprises a first aperture and the inferior component further comprises a second aperture where the first aperture and the second aperture are arranged to allow a first tablet to be removed from the tablet disc.

3. The tablet and capsule dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the superior component and inferior component are made from Poly(methyl methacrylate), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), metal, high-impact polystyrene, Polycarbonate (PC), or Polyether Imide (PEI).

4. The tablet and capsule dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the display is an E-ink display, a touch-screen display, an Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Electroluminescent (ELD) display, a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) display, an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display, or a Liquid Crystal (LCD) display.

5. The tablet and capsule dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the first circuit comprises a microcontroller having a first memory storage unit, a timer, and a power supply, wherein the display, the microcontroller, the timer, and the actuator are all electrically connected.

6. The tablet and capsule dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the second component further comprises a first surface including a second cavity, the second cavity operatively arranged to receive the actuator.

7. The tablet and capsule dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the tablet disc is arranged to rotate a first rotational distance in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, wherein the first rotational distance is less than or equal to a distance between a first tablet and a second tablet of the plurality of tablets on the tablet disc.

8. The tablet and capsule dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a solenoid actuator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

(2) FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the top of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein;

(3) FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the bottom of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein;

(4) FIG. 2A is a front perspective exploded view of the dispensing assembly of FIG. 1A;

(5) FIG. 2B is a front perspective exploded view of the dispensing assembly of FIG. 1B;

(6) FIG. 3 is a high-level schematic view of a circuit associated with the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein;

(7) FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the top of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein;

(8) FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the bottom of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein;

(9) FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of the top of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein;

(10) FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the top of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein;

(11) FIG. 5C is a front perspective view of the top of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein;

(12) FIG. 6A is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a dispensing assembly as disclosed herein;

(13) FIG. 6B is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a dispensing assembly as disclosed herein;

(14) FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an example embodiment of the software interface arranged for communication with the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; and,

(15) FIG. 8 is top plan view of an example embodiment of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(16) At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

(17) Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

(18) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments. The assembly of the present invention could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, and/or pneumatics. It should be appreciated that the term substantially is synonymous with terms such as nearly, very nearly, about, approximately, around, bordering on, close to, essentially, in the neighborhood of, in the vicinity of, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term proximate is synonymous with terms such as nearby, close, adjacent, neighboring, immediate, adjoining, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term approximately is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

(19) Moreover, as used herein, and/or is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

(20) The term Superior Component as used in the present disclosure is intended to mean the component of the case located in the highest position relative to the inferior component component in first direction DR1.

(21) The term Inferior Component as used in the present disclosure is intended to mean the component of the case located in the lowest position relative to the superior component in first direction DR1.

(22) Adverting now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-2B illustrate various perspective views of dispensing assembly 100 in an assembled state and an exploded state. Dispensing assembly 100 includes case 102 which is substantially toroidal in shape. Case 102 includes superior component 104 and inferior component 106. Superior component 104 and inferior component 106 are arranged to engage via a press-fit, friction-fit, or interference-fit, leaving a substantially toroidal first cavity 108 therebetween. It is intended that superior component 104 and inferior component 106 are arranged such that once they are fitted together, no user can open the case, e.g., only a manufacturer or healthcare professional may separate the components. In an example embodiment, superior component 104 and inferior component 106 are made of high impact modified Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA); however, it should be appreciated that any other durable material can be used, e.g., high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, metal, high-impact polystyrene, Polycarbonate (PC), Polyether Imide (PEI), or any other material which can resist breaking or cracking while in use, and prevent tampering and/or render evident any tampering caused by the user. Superior component 104 further includes aperture 110, and inferior component 106 further includes aperture 112. Apertures 110 and 112 are arranged such that when case 102 is assembled, aperture 110 of superior component 104 is aligned with, and directly above, aperture 112 of inferior component 106. Superior component also includes first rim 114 (shown in FIG. 2B) which contains first plurality of teeth 116 disposed about a circumferential surface of first rim 114 and operatively arranged to engage with pivotable catch 152 discussed infra. Inferior component 106 further comprises opening 118 operatively arranged to receive second component 134 of lock 130 discussed infra; and, second rim 120 (shown in FIG. 2A) arranged to engage with lock 130 discussed infra.

(23) Dispensing assembly 100 further comprises tablet disc 122. Tablet disc 122 and lock 130 (discussed infra) are positioned within first cavity 108 of case 102 when dispensing assembly 100 is completely assembled. Tablet disc 122 further comprises plurality of tablets 124 disposed about the circumference of tablet disc 122. The tablets of plurality of tablets 124 are set apart from each other a fixed circumferential distance such that they are evenly spaced. In an example embodiment, tablet disc 122 is a prefabricated blister pack with a plurality of individual cells which isolate a single dose of a particular medication, i.e., each tablet is intended to be a single dose of a particular medication. The distance between each tablet or cell and the size of apertures 110 and 112 are proportional such that access to tablets is limited to one tablet at a time through apertures 110 and 112. Tablet disc 122 further comprises first through-bore 126 arranged to engage with first projection 140 (discussed infra) and at least one second through-bore 128 arranged to engage with at least one second projection 146 (not shown and discussed infra).

(24) Dispensing assembly 100 further comprises lock 130. Lock 130 comprises first component 132 and second component 134. First component 132 comprises display 136, and first circuit 138 (shown in FIG. 3). In an example embodiment, display 136 is an E-ink display; however, it should be appreciated that other displays are possible, e.g., a touch-screen display, an Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Electroluminescent (ELD) display, a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) display, an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a Liquid Crystal (LCD) display, or other equivalent displays. Display 136 is arranged to display the current state of dispensing assembly 100 and show the time interval remaining until tablet disc 122 can be rotated to the next position (description of use of the assembly described infra). Second component 134 comprises, first projection 140 having first surface 142, second cavity 144, at least one second projection 146 (not shown), second surface 148 having a plurality of grips 150, solenoid actuator 152, pivotable catch 154, second plurality of teeth 156, and ratchet 158.

(25) First projection 140 is a substantially cylindrical protrusion arranged to be concentric with second component 134 and further comprises second plurality of teeth 156. Second plurality of teeth 156 are operatively arranged on the outer circumference of first projection 140 and arranged to engage with ratchet 158. First projection 140 further includes first surface 142. First surface 142 comprises at least one second projection 146 (not shown) and second cavity 144. At least one second projection 146 is a peg or other projection operatively arranged to protrude in first direction DR1 with respect to first surface 142 and engage with through-bores 128 of tablet disc 122. When completely assembled, first projection 140 and at least one second projection 146 slide within, and engage with, first through-bore 126 and at least one second through-bore 128 of tablet disc 122, respectively. Second cavity 144 is arranged to receive solenoid actuator 152 when dispensing assembly 100 is fully assembled. Second surface 148, which is arranged opposite first surface 142 on second component 134, includes plurality of grips 150. Plurality of grips 150 are illustrated as two quadraspherical (one quarter of a sphere) cavities separated by a portion of second component 134; however, it should be appreciated that any physical arrangement that allows for a user to provide sufficient torque on lock 130 to rotate second component 134 relative to first component 132 can be used. Plurality of grips 150 are arranged such that a user can grip and provide a rotational force in first rotational direction RIM or second rotational direction RD2 when a new tablet/pill is needed.

(26) It should be appreciated that first plurality of teeth 116 and second plurality of teeth 156 can be angled such that they prevent rotational motion of tablet disc 122 in either first rotational direction RIM or second rotational direction RD2. For example, FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4A-5C illustrate arrangements where ratchet 158 prevents rotational motion in rotational direction RD2 and pivotable catch 154 prevents and/or allows for rotational motion of tablet disc 122 in first rotational direction RD1. However, it should be appreciated that, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 8, first plurality of teeth 116 and second plurality of teeth 156 can be angled such that ratchet 158 prevents rotational motion of tablet disc 122 in first rotational direction RD1 and pivotable catch 154 prevents and/or allows for rotational motion of tablet disc 122 in second rotational direction RD2.

(27) Solenoid actuator 152 is operatively arranged to sit within second cavity 144 and engage with pivotable catch 154 causing pivotable catch 154 to pivot and engage and/or disengage with first plurality of teeth 116 of superior component 104. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4A-5C, when solenoid actuator 152 is disengaged, tablet disc 122 is prevented from rotating in a first rotational direction RD1 and second rotational direction RD2. When solenoid actuator 152 is engaged, i.e., extended, tablet disc 122 is free to rotate in first rotational direction RD1. It should be appreciated that any actuator known in the art can be used to engage with first plurality of teeth 116. Pivotable catch 154 has a peg which rotatably engages with a partial through-bore disposed within first surface 142 of second component 134 such that it can pivot when engaged with solenoid actuator 152. First plurality of teeth 116 and pivotable catch 154 are arranged such that they are not affected by vibrations or gyrations which could be experienced in the average use of the assembly.

(28) It should be appreciated that second component 134 is operatively arranged to sit within, and rotate independently from, first component 132. First component 132 is intended to remain non-rotatably secured to superior component 104 such that, when tablet disc 124 and second component 134 rotate in second rotational direction RD2, first component 132, which contains display 136, remains rotationally locked in case 102. This ensures that the display is always visible from the side of dispensing assembly 100 that comprises apertures 110 and 112. Additionally, as solenoid actuator 152 must be permitted to rotate with second component 134 while simultaneously maintaining electronic communication with first circuit 138, solenoid actuator 152 can be electrically connected to first circuit 138 with any wired or wireless circuit capable of transferring electricity to a rotating body, e.g., electrical slip rings, pancake slip rings, wireless slip rings, wireless power transfer circuits, inductive power transfer circuits, etc.

(29) FIG. 3 illustrates a high-level schematic view of first circuit 138. First circuit 138 comprises microcontroller 160, timer 162, antenna 164, power supply 166, and flex circuit 168, and sensor 169. Microcontroller 160 further includes processor 170 and memory 172, which are operatively arranged to store and execute a set of non-transitory computer readable instructions. Memory 172 can store a first data set comprised of at least one date, at least one time, a rotational position of the tablet disc, and an integer. The date, time, and integer can reflect the history of a user's interaction with dispensing assembly 100 and keep track of which pill/tablet was accessed at what time. In an example embodiment, microcontroller 160 is a Cypress Semiconductor part no.: CY8C4247LQI-BL483 available from Mouser Electronics; however, it should be appreciated that any other suitable microcontroller could be used to store the set of non-transitory computer readable instructions and first data set.

(30) Timer 162 is a simple circuit operatively arranged to provide a base time signal to a microcontroller. This circuit comprises, for example, a crystal quartz oscillator. In an example embodiment timer 162 is a crystal oscillator part no.: ECS-240-8-36CKM available from ECS Inc.; however, it should be appreciated that any crystal oscillator that can communicate with microcontroller 160 and keep time can be utilized. Antenna 164 is operatively arranged to communicate with microcontroller 160 and can be utilized to send/receive a wireless signal/communication. It should be appreciated that wireless communication(s) as used herein is intended to mean Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) communication, Bluetooth protocols, Near field Communication (NFC), Near Field Magnetic Inductance Communication (NFMIC), Wi-Fi, LTE, Airdrop communication, or any other wireless protocol sufficient to communicate with microcontroller 160. Additionally, display 136 is capable of rendering a visible image, e.g., a bar code or QR code, which can be scanned by an external device as a means for transmitting information from dispensing assembly 100. In an example embodiment antenna 164 is part no.: 2450AT42E0100 available from Johanson Technology Inc.; however it should be appreciated that any antenna capable of communication via the above-identified protocols can be used. Power supply 166 is intended to be a battery or any combination of multiple batteries that can produce sufficient voltage to power the components in first circuit 138, solenoid actuator 152, and display 136. Flex circuit 168 is a flexible ribbon-type circuit that is operatively arranged to bend and flex such that electrical current may still flow from microcontroller 160 to display 136. Furthermore, sensor 169 is arranged to sense and store the rotational position of tablet disc 122. It should be appreciated that a sensor 169 could be embodied as an optical sensor, limit-switch, or other device capable of sensing a position of tablet disc 122 can be included in first circuit 138.

(31) The following description is intended to illustrate one potential operation of dispensing assembly 100 and should be read in view of FIGS. 4A-5C. Initially, a user will receive dispensing assembly 100 from the manufacturer, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. The dispensing assembly will come pre-assembled and closed as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In initial position 176, one tablet of plurality of tablets 124 is aligned with first aperture 110 and second aperture 112 and can be depressed and removed from tablet disc 122 by the user. Additionally, in initial position 176, display 136 indicates that the first tablet, aligned with apertures 110 and 112, is available for dispensing. Once the first tablet of plurality of tablets 124 is dispensed, the user can ingest the tablet. In initial position 176, ratchet 158 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B), which is pivotably mounted on second rim 120 (shown in FIG. 2A) of inferior component 106, is spring loaded such that it is engaged with one of the second plurality of teeth 156 (shown in FIG. 2A) of second component 134 preventing rotation of lock 130 in second rotational direction RD2. Second plurality of teeth 156 and ratchet 158 are arranged such that they are not affected by vibrations or gyrations which could be experience in the average use of the assembly. Additionally, in initial position 176 solenoid actuator 152 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) is in an activated state, i.e., positioned such that the plunger is in an extended position. In this extended position, solenoid actuator 152 engages with pivotable catch 154 (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). Pivotable catch 154 pivots about a peg or other protrusion which is disposed within a third cavity on first surface 142 (shown in FIG. 2A) of first projection 140 (shown in FIG. 2A) of second component 134. In this state, pivotable catch 154 is not engaged with first plurality of teeth 116 (shown in FIG. 2B) of superior component 104, and second component 134 and tablet disc 122 are free to rotate in second rotational direction RD2.

(32) To advance the dispensing assembly to second position 178, illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the user engages with plurality of grips 150 disposed on second surface 148 of the second component 134 of lock 130. The user applies a rotational force in first rotational direction RIM. When sensor 169 indicates that tablet disc 122 has been rotated to second position 178. Activation of sensor 169 simultaneously causes solenoid actuator 152 to retract and timer 162 to activate, beginning a counting down proportional to first time interval 188 discussed infra. When solenoid actuator 152 is in the retracted state, pivotable catch 154 will engage with one of first plurality of teeth 116 of superior component 104 and prevent further rotational motion in second rotational direction RD2. Although not illustrated this may be accomplished with some biasing device, e.g., a spring, which biases pivotable catch 154 towards first plurality of teeth 116. Once in second position 178, a second tablet will be positioned and aligned with apertures 110 and 112 allowing the second tablet to be dispensed from dispensing assembly 100. At this point, the user must wait until the expiration of first time interval 188, for solenoid actuator 152 to engage with pivotable catch 154 and allow for rotation of tablet disc 122 to the next position. This process is repeated until all of the tablets of plurality of tablets 124 are utilized. Once the tablet disc is empty, the user can either dispose of the device, or return it to their healthcare provider for further analysis of usage discussed infra.

(33) It should also be appreciated that the first pill/tablet slot of tablet disc 122 can be left empty, i.e., without a tablet present. This arrangement would be utilized in situations where a patient has been given a first dose of medication via a healthcare provider. In this situation, the healthcare provider or user would then rotate tablet disc 122 into second position 178 and trigger the countdown proportional to first time interval 188.

(34) FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a top plan view of dispensing assembly 100. These views illustrate some of the potential variations in size and shape of tablets which can be utilized in tablet disc 122. The tablets of plurality of tablets 124 can be shaped as ovoid, cylindrical, triangular, or other suitable shape for ingestion. It should be appreciated that the variations shown are non-exhaustive of the potential sizes and shapes available. For example, any shape tablet can be used that can be pushed through apertures 110 and 112.

(35) FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of first computer 174 and software interface 180. First computer 174 and software interface 180 are arranged for communication with dispensing assembly 100. Software interface 180 is arranged to display first medication 182, list 184 arranged to show an organized list of the various dates and times each pill/tablet will become available, and graph 186 arranged to show a graphical illustration of the various dates and times recorded in list 184. In an example embodiment, first computer 174 is a smart phone; however, it should be appreciated that any other computer capable of sending and receiving wireless communications with antenna 164 can be used. First computer 174 is operatively arranged to receive/transmit wireless communications to and from antenna 164 discussed supra. First computer 174 may send an initial query to antenna 164, which query can be electrically transferred to microcontroller 160. Although not illustrated, it should also be appreciated that dispensing assembly 100 can communicate with first computer 174 via a wired connection, e.g., Ethernet cable, USB cable, or docking station. Microcontroller 160 can retrieve the data of the first data set, discuss supra, from memory 172 and transmit the first data set from antenna 164 to first computer 174 for display in software interface 180 of first computer 174. It should be appreciated that software interface 180 can be arranged to display more than one medication, e.g., a second medication, third medication, fourth medication simultaneously.

(36) It should also be appreciated that multiple time intervals can be set by the pharmacist, manufacturer, or other healthcare provider, e.g., first time interval 188 and second time interval 190. First time interval 188 and second time interval 190 can be identical or they can be different e.g., the time between access to the first tablet and second tablet can be different than the time interval between the third tablet and fourth tablet. Additionally, the time intervals can vary e.g., the time between access to each tablet can range from days to seconds. It should further be appreciated that a final time period may be utilized in addition to first time interval 188 and second time interval 190. The final time period can be utilized to set a value of time, that when expired the device remains rotationally locked until accessed by the pharmacist, manufacturer, or other healthcare provider. For example, a final time period could be utilized in the event the dispensing assembly is used to administer doses of medication for clinical trials. If a clinical trial, having a set period of 10 days is established, the device may allow access to each tablet at predetermined time intervals in addition to locking the device permanently at the end of the ten day period. This will allow the administrators of the trial to gather evidence of a patient failing to take the medications at the prescribed time intervals.

(37) FIG. 8 is top plan view of dispensing assembly 100 in an assembled state. In this view, the interaction between ratchet 158 and second plurality of teeth 156, as well as, the interaction between pivotable catch 154 and first plurality of teeth 116 can be seen. This view also illustrates the interaction between solenoid actuator 152 and pivotable catch 154, in that, the actuator plunger of solenoid actuator 152 sits within a notch arranged within pivotable catch 154.

(38) It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(39) DR1 Direction DR2 Direction RD1 Rotational direction RD2 Rotational direction 100 Dispensing assembly 102 Case 104 Superior component 106 Inferior component 108 First cavity 110 First aperture 112 Second aperture 114 First rim 116 First plurality of teeth 118 Opening 120 Second rim 122 Tablet disc 124 Plurality of tablets 126 First through-bore 128 Second through-bore 130 Lock 132 First component 134 Second component 136 Display 138 First circuit 140 First projection 142 First surface 144 Second cavity 146 Second projection 148 Second surface 150 Plurality of grips 152 Solenoid actuator 154 Pivotable catch 156 Second plurality of teeth 158 Ratchet 160 Microcontroller 162 Timer 164 Antenna 166 Power supply 168 Flex circuit 169 Sensor 170 Processor 172 Memory 174 First computer 176 Initial position 178 Second position 180 Software interface 182 First medication 184 List 186 Graph 188 First time interval 190 Second time interval