U.S. patent application number 10/160564 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for storage device for health care facility.
Invention is credited to Lvovitch, Yan, Richardson, William R., Schwartz, Stanley I..
Application Number | 20030222548 10/160564 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29583194 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030222548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richardson, William R. ; et
al. |
December 4, 2003 |
Storage device for health care facility
Abstract
A device is provided for controlling access to medical items. At
least one ratcheting drawer is provided having a plurality of bins
adapted to hold the medical items and disposed to become exposed
sequentially as the drawer is opened. A latching mechanism engages
the ratcheting drawer to prevent the drawer from opening. A sensor
detects the position of the drawer relative to the bins and, when
access to the contents of a particular bin is authorized, the
latching mechanism disengages until the specific bin is exposed, as
determined by the sensor.
Inventors: |
Richardson, William R.;
(Etobicoke, CA) ; Lvovitch, Yan; (Toronto, CA)
; Schwartz, Stanley I.; (Toronto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Wallenstein & Wagner, Ltd.
53rd Floor
311 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago
IL
60606-6622
US
|
Family ID: |
29583194 |
Appl. No.: |
10/160564 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/209 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 12/001 20130101;
A47B 81/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/209 |
International
Class: |
A47B 081/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A storage device for controlling access to medical items held in
the storage device, comprising: a drawer having a ratcheting
member, a latching mechanism controllably engaging the ratcheting
member, a sensor for determining a position of the drawer, and a
controller electrically connected to the sensor and the latching
mechanism, the controller receiving a position signal from the
sensor, and the controller providing a control signal to the
latching mechanism to manipulate the latching mechanism for
controlling movement of the drawer.
2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the ratcheting member has
a plurality of unidirectional teeth.
3. The storage device of claim 2, wherein the teeth of the
ratcheting member are one-way teeth.
4. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising at least one
divider in the drawer, the at least one divider separating the
drawer into a plurality of bins.
5. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the latching mechanism
comprises a solenoid having an engaging member, the engaging member
contacting the ratcheting member to prevent exterior movement of
the drawer.
6. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising markings on
the drawer, the sensor sensing the markings to determine the
position of the drawer, and the sensor providing signals to the
controller of the position of the drawer.
7. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the latching mechanism
comprises a linear ratcheting gear.
8. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the drawer has a first
member that slidingly engages a mating member for providing sliding
movement of the drawer.
9. The storage device of claim 8, wherein the mating member is
connected to a framework.
10. The storage device of claim 9, further comprising a drawer
module, and wherein the framework is a component of the drawer
module.
11. The storage device of claim 10, wherein the drawer module in
removably secured in a cabinet, the cabinet being moveable.
12. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising an
interchangeable module, and wherein a plurality of drawers are
positioned in the module.
13. The storage device of claim 12, further comprising a cabinet,
the interchangeable module being removably mounted in the
cabinet.
14. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the cabinet is
moveable.
15. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising a stationary
cabinet housing the drawer, and wherein the stationary cabinet is
adapted to be connected in series to at least one additional
stationary cabinet.
16. A storage device for controlling access to one or more medical
items in the storage device, comprising: a cabinet, a ratcheting
drawer fitted within the cabinet, the ratcheting drawer having a
ratcheting member, a latching mechanism engaging the ratcheting
mechanism, and the ratcheting member adapted to resist opening and
allow closing of the drawer when engaged by the latching
mechanism.
17. The storage device of claim 16, further comprising a controller
operatively connected to the latching mechanism, the controller
controlling engagement of the ratcheting member by the latching
mechanism.
18. The storage device of claim 17, further comprising a sensor
operatively connected to the latching mechanism, the sensor sending
a signal to the controller of the position of the ratcheting
drawer.
19. The storage device of claim 18, further comprising optical
markings on the ratcheting drawer, the sensor sensing the
markings.
20. The storage device of claim 16, wherein the ratcheting drawer
has a plurality of bins adapted to hold the medical items and
disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is
opened.
21. The storage device of claim 17, wherein the ratcheting drawer
has a plurality of bins, wherein the controller receives
authorization for access to the medical items in the ratcheting
drawer, wherein the controller tracks which bins have been accessed
and the position of the ratcheting drawer, and wherein the
controller allowing access to the first bin of the ratcheting
drawer containing one of the medical items.
22. The storage device of claim 16, wherein the ratcheting drawer
has a framework, wherein the latching mechanism is connected to the
cabinet through the framework, and wherein the ratcheting drawer
and the framework are removably secured in an aperture of the
cabinet.
23. The storage device of claim 16, further comprising a plurality
of ratcheting drawers in the cabinet, each of the ratcheting
drawers having a ratcheting member engaging a separate latching
mechanism to independently resist opening and allow closing of the
drawer when engaged by the separate latching member.
24. The storage device of claim 23, wherein the plurality of
ratcheting drawers comprise a module that can be interchangeably
installed in the cabinet.
25. The storage device at claim 16, wherein the latching mechanism
is stationary within the cabinet, and wherein the latching
mechanism does not move with the ratcheting drawer.
26. The storage device of claim 16, wherein the ratcheting member
is a unidirectional ratcheting member having a plurality of one-way
teeth.
27. A storage device for containing and controlling distribution of
medical items stored in the storage device, comprising: a cabinet
having at least one ratcheting drawer with a plurality of bins,
each bin extending substantially about a width of the drawer, and
the bins extending in series from a front of the drawer to a rear
of the drawer, wherein the bins are adapted to hold medical items
and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is
opened, the ratcheting drawer having a ratcheting member with a
plurality of one-way teeth, the ratcheting drawer further having a
plurality of position indicators thereon, the position indicators
being positioned on the drawer relative to the plurality of bins in
the drawer; a sensor adjacent the position indicators on the
ratcheting drawer, the sensor providing a signal of the indicator
adjacent the sensor to assist in determining a current position of
the ratcheting drawer relative to the plurality bins; a latching
mechanism configured to engage the ratcheting member any of a
plurality of positions to prevent the ratcheting drawer from
opening a controlled distance beyond the current position, while
allowing the drawer to be closed at any time; and, a controller
operatively connected to the sensor and the latching mechanism,
wherein the ratcheting member is normally engaged by the latching
mechanism to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer beyond the
current position, and wherein when the controller obtains
authorization for access to the one or more medical items stored in
a particular bin the controller provides a signal to the latching
mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the
particular bin of the particular drawer.
28. The storage device of claim 27, wherein the ratcheting member
is mounted to the ratcheting drawer.
29. The storage device of claim 27, wherein the ratcheting drawer
is mounted in a module that is removably secured in the
cabinet.
30. The storage device of claim 29, wherein a plurality of
ratcheting drawers are mounted in the module, and wherein the
removable module is adapted to be removably inserted within a
cabinet.
31. The storage device of claim 27, wherein as a signal is provided
to access a bin of a particular drawer, the controller provides a
signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member
to expose the next occupied bin in the series of bins in the
particular drawer.
32. The storage device of claim 27, wherein one of the drawers is a
return drawer, wherein the controller obtains a signal that a
medical item is to be returned, and wherein the controller provides
a signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting
member to expose the next empty bin in series adjacent the front of
the drawer for placement of a medical item to be returned therein,
and after the medical item to be returned is placed in the next
empty bin and the bin is returned to an unexposed position, the
controller does not allow exposure of the contents of that bin
until the controller receives a signal by an authorized user.
33. The storage device of claim 27, further comprising a return
depot connected to the cabinet, the return depot comprising a
housing having an interior, the housing having an aperture
providing access to the interior of the housing, and a locking door
covering the aperture to control access to the interior of the
housing through the aperture, a return bin secured in an interior
of the housing, the return bin having a cavity with an opening, the
return bin being movable into a plurality of positions, another
aperture in the housing mating with the opening in the return bin
when the return bin is positioned in a first position, a cover
secured to the housing and overlaying the another aperture in the
housing, the covering providing controlled access to the return bin
inside the housing, an actuator connected to the return bin, the
actuator manipulating movement of the return bin, and a controller
electrically connected to the actuator to provide the actuator with
a signal for manipulating the return bin.
34. A storage device for controlling access to returned medical
items in a medical facility, comprising: a housing having an
interior; a return bin secured in the interior of the housing, the
return bin having a cavity with an opening, the return bin being
movable to a plurality of positions; a first aperture in the
housing, the first aperture mating with the opening in the return
bin when the return bin is positioned in a first position; a cover
secured to the housing and overlaying the first aperture in the
housing, the covering providing controlled access to the cavity of
the return bin inside the housing; an actuator connected to the
return bin, the actuator manipulating movement of the return bin;
and, a controller electrically connected to the actuator to provide
the actuator with a signal for manipulating the return bin.
35. The storage device of claim 34, further comprising a moveable
medical item distribution cart, wherein the housing is mounted to
the moveable medical item distribution cart.
36. The storage device of claim 34, further comprising a second
aperture in the housing providing access to the interior of the
housing, and a locking door covering the second aperture to control
access to the interior of the housing through the second
aperture.
37. The storage device of claim 34, wherein the return bin is
moveable to a second position, wherein an exterior of the return
bin mates with the first aperture in the housing to operatively
close the first aperture when the return bin is in the second
position, and wherein the cavity of the return bin is open to the
interior of the housing to allow the contents of the cavity to be
expelled into the interior of the housing when the return bin is
located in the second position.
38. The storage device of claim 34, further comprising a weight in
the return bin, the weight assisting manipulation of the return bin
from the second position to the first position.
39. The storage device of claim 34, wherein the first aperture is
positioned in a first location on the housing, and wherein the
second aperture is positioned in a second location on the housing
below the first location.
40. The storage device of claim 34, wherein the first aperture in
the housing is located in a upper portion of the housing, and
wherein the second aperture in the housing is located in an lower
portion of the housing.
41. The storage device of claim 34, wherein the actuator is engaged
to manipulate movement of the return bin when the cover is
opened.
42. The storage device of claim 34, wherein the actuator has a
linkage which rotates the return bin from the first position to the
second position.
43. The storage device of claim 42, wherein the return bin rotates
from the second position to the first position when the cover is
allowed to open.
44. The storage device of claim 41, further comprising a solenoid
to open the cover.
45. The storage device of claim 36, wherein the actuator is
operatively connected to the cover such that as the cover opens the
actuator manipulates the return bin to have the opening in the
cavity of the return bin mate with the first aperture in the
housing, and when the cover is closed the actuator manipulates the
return bin to have the exterior of the return bin operatively close
the first aperture in the housing.
46. The storage device of claim 34, wherein the return bin is a
cylindrical drum that rotates within the interior of the
housing.
47. The storage device of claim 34, further providing a lock to
override the controller for opening and closing the cover.
48. The storage device of claim 35, further providing a lock to
open and close the locking door to control access to the interior
of the housing for removing the medical items therein.
49. A method for securing access to medical items in a container,
comprising the steps of: providing a drawer having a unidirectional
ratcheting member; providing a latching mechanism; providing a
controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism; sending
a signal from the controller to the latching mechanism to
manipulate the latching mechanism for controlling engagement of the
latching mechanism with the ratcheting member.
50. The method for securing access to medical items in a container
of claim 49, further comprising the steps of: providing a sensor,
the sensor being operatively connected to the controller; sensing a
position of the drawer; and, sending a signal from the sensor to
the controller of the position of the drawer.
51. The method for securing access to medical items in a container
of claim 50, further comprising the steps of: providing at least
one divider in the drawer, the at least one divider separating the
drawer into a plurality of bins; receiving authorization from the
controller to access a particular bin; disengaging the latching
mechanism to expose the particular bin; and, engaging the latching
mechanism when the particular bin exposed.
52. A method of returning a medical item to the storage device,
comprising the steps of: providing a drawer having a unidirectional
ratcheting member operatively engaging the unidirectional
ratcheting member; providing a latching mechanism; providing a
controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism;
providing a command to the controller that a medical item is to be
returned; sending a signal from the controller to the latching
mechanism to manipulate engagement of the latching mechanism with
the ratcheting member for providing controlled opening of the
drawer; depositing the medical item to be returned in the open
drawer; and, closing the drawer.
53. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device of
claim 52, further comprising the steps of: providing at least one
divider in the drawer, the at least one divider separating the
drawer into a plurality of bins; providing a sensor, the sensor
being operatively connected to the controller; receiving
authorization from the controller to access a particular bin for
returning a medical item, the particular bin to be accessed being
the next available bin positioned sequentially closer to a front of
the drawer; sending a signal from the sensor to the controller of
the position of the drawer; disengaging the latching mechanism to
expose the next available bin positioned sequentially closer to the
front of the drawer; engaging the latching mechanism when the
particular bin exposed; depositing the medical item to be returned
in the open bin of the drawer; and, closing the drawer.
54. A method of returning a medical item to the storage device,
comprising the steps of: providing a housing having an interior,
the housing having a first aperture; providing a return bin secured
in the interior of the housing, the return bin having a cavity with
an opening, the return bin being movable to a plurality of
positions, the opening of the cavity mating with the first aperture
of the housing when the return bin is positioned in a first
position; providing a cover controllably overlaying the first
aperture in the housing; providing an actuator connected to the
return bin, the actuator manipulating movement of the return bin;
providing a controller electrically connected to the actuator;
providing a command to the controller that a medical item is to be
returned; opening the cover; depositing the medical item to be
returned within the cavity of the return bin; and, closing the
cover.
55. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device of
claim 54, further comprising the steps of: providing the actuator
with a signal for manipulating the return bin; having the actuator
manipulate the return bin from a second position, wherein an
exterior of the return bin mates with the first aperture in the
housing, to a first position, wherein the opening of the cavity of
the return bin mates with the first aperture in the housing; and,
having the actuator manipulate the return bin from the second
position to the first position when the cover is opened.
56. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device of
claim 55, further comprising the steps of: having the actuator
manipulate the return bin from the first position to the second
position when the cover is closed, to expel the contents of the
items in the cavity.
57. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device of
claim 54, further comprising the steps of: providing a solenoid
engaging the cover; providing a signal from the controller to the
solenoid to charge the solenoid; having the charged solenoid unlock
the cover.
58. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device of
claim 54, further comprising the steps of: providing a second
aperture in the housing; providing a locking door covering the
second aperture; unlocking the locking door and opening the locking
door; emptying the contents of the interior of the housing; and,
closing and locking the locking door.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a device for
storing and dispensing medical items, and more specifically to a
storage device providing controlled access to the medical
items.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] The present application claims priority from U.S. Pat. Ser.
No. 60/377,027 filed Apr. 30, 2002; U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 60/376,625,
filed Apr. 30, 2002; U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 60/376,655, filed Apr. 30,
2002; and U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 10/135,180 filed Apr. 30, 2002, which
is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. Pat. Ser. No.
10/059,929 filed Jan. 29, 2002, and incorporates such applications
herein by reference.
[0003] Additionally, the present application is being filed
concurrently with and incorporates by reference the following
applications: "Automated Messaging Center System and Method For Use
With A Healthcare System" (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5849 (1417G P
749)), Ser. No. ______; "System And Method For Obtaining
Information From A Bar Code For Use With A Healthcare System"
(Attorney Docket No. EIS-5897 (1417G P 754)), Ser. No. ______;
"Infusion Therapy Bar Coding System and Method" (Attorney Docket
No. EIS-5850 (01417GP0750)), Ser. No. ______; "System and Method
for Providing Multiple Units of Measurement" (Attorney Docket No.
EIS-5851 (1417GP0751)), Ser. No. ______; "Nursing Order Workflow
System and Method" (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5899 (1417GP0756)),
Ser. No. ______; "Healthcare Database Management Offline Backup and
Synchronization System and Method" (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5895
(1417G-P752)), Ser. No. ______; "Biometric Security For Access To A
Storage Device For A Healthcare Facility" (Attorney Docket No.
EIS-5847 (1417G-P720)), Ser. No. ______; "System And Method For
Supporting Clinical Decisions During Patient Care And Treatment"
(Attorney Docket No. EIS-5896 (1417G-P753)), Ser. No. ______;
"System And Method For Facilitating Patient Care And Treatment"
(Attorney Docket No. EIS-5898 (1417G-P755)), Ser. No. ______;
"System And Method For Facilitating Orders During Patient Care And
Treatment" (Attorney Docket No. EIS-5900 (1417G-P757)), Ser. No.
______; and, "Pharmacy System And Method" (Attorney Docket No.
EIS-5901 (1417G-P758)), Ser. No. ______.
BACKGROUND PRIOR ART
[0004] Hospitals and other health care facilities commonly use
locked cabinets to store and dispense medications and other medical
items. Locked cabinets can provide efficient and accessible storage
of medications and other medical items by using different shelves
for storage of the different medical items. Additionally, locked
drawers also prevent unauthorized access to the medications and
other medical items. Such measures, while unfortunate, are
typically provided in order to prevent theft of the medical items,
particularly narcotics and other controlled substances. Sometimes,
medication cabinets incorporate a computer or microprocessor to
selectively provide access to a particular drawer in response to an
input requesting a specific medication.
[0005] Nevertheless, narcotics and other controlled substances
require even a greater degree of access control. One approach to
providing this control involves incorporating individually lockable
bins in drawers containing narcotics or other controlled
substances. This solution, however, presents a choice between
storing a unit dose in each individually lockable bin, incurring
considerable cost, or storing multiple doses in an individually
lockable bin, affording reduced security.
[0006] One approach to medication control is described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,065,819, (issued to William K. Holmes and David R. Williams).
The '819 patent discloses a device wherein the unit includes an
engine and dispensing drawer operably connected in end-to-end
fashion with a lead screw type of mechanism. The engine comprises a
motor for retracting the drawer and a complex engagement mechanism
designed to engage crosspieces disposed at intervals beneath the
drawer. This approach, however has several potential disadvantages.
First, the engine uses a substantial portion of the drawer depth,
thereby reducing storage density, increasing the number of drawers
required for a given quantity of medication, and increasing cost.
Second, the numerous mechanical and electrical components of the
engine and engagement mechanism also provide increased cost.
Finally, the engagement mechanism is normally disengaged so that a
power failure during operation could enable access to the entire
drawer.
[0007] Further, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,961,036, 5,957,372 and 6,073,834,
commonly assigned to Diebold, Inc., disclose an apparatus and
method for accepting return of unused medical items. The apparatus
includes a return drawer and a retrieve drawer which are opened
responsive to signals received from a display terminal networked
with a computer. The return drawer includes a pocket that is
accessible from outside of the housing when the return drawer is
moved to an open position. The pocket includes an opening and is
closed by a trap door when the return drawer is in the open
position. Medical items to be returned are placed in the pocket and
the return drawer is closed. Upon the closing of the return drawer
the trap door is moved to an open position by an actuator. The
return medical item passes from the pocket to a retrieve area in
the retrieve drawer. Medical items are stored in the retrieve area
until the retrieve drawer is controlled responsive to the input of
data at the display terminal. Such a device, however, is expensive
to manufacture and complicated to operate.
[0008] Accordingly, an inexpensive and reliable drawer operating
system that provides graduated access to a drawer so that items
stored in the drawer may be extracted from the front of the drawer
and access given to more rearward portions of the drawer only after
inventories have been depleted is desired. Additionally, an
inexpensive and reliable return system that allows users to deposit
unused medical items, including medications such as narcotics, for
safe return to authorized personnel, such as a pharmacist, is
desired. Thus, the present invention is provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a device for controlling
access to medications and other medical items in various
compartments of the drawer. The device comprises a ratcheting
drawer and a latching mechanism. Generally, one or more ratcheting
drawers are provided in modules which are placed in a cabinet. One
type of cabinet is a moveable medication depot. The ratcheting
drawer, or one or more modules containing a plurality of ratcheting
drawers, is fitted within the cabinet.
[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the
ratcheting drawer has a ratcheting member that is connected to the
drawer. The ratcheting member may include a series of
one-directional teeth affixed to the ratcheting drawer. The
ratcheting member is engaged by the latching mechanism for
controlled access to the ratcheting drawer.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
latching mechanism is removably connected to the cabinet, or to the
module connected to the cabinet. Additionally, the latching
mechanism may also be a component of the drawer. The latching
mechanism is configured to engage the ratcheting drawer at any of a
plurality of positions to prevent the drawer from being opened
beyond a specific position, while still allowing the drawer to be
closed at any time. The latching mechanism may include a solenoid
that receives a signal from a controller for
engagement/disengagement with the ratcheting member. In one
embodiment, the latching mechanism is adapted to engage one of the
one-directional teeth to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer,
while still allow closing of the drawer when engaged.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
controller is provided. The controller is operatively connected to
the latching mechanism. The controller controls engagement of the
ratcheting member by the latching mechanism. Additionally, the
controller may receive signals from a computer as to which drawer
to open, as well as how far to open each drawer to access a
specific bin.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
sensor is provided. The sensor is operatively connected to the
latching mechanism. The sensor senses the position of the drawer
and sends a signal to the controller of the position of the
ratcheting drawer. In one embodiment, the ratcheting drawer has
markings thereon which are sensed by the sensor as the drawer moved
in and out. The sensors may be fixedly mounted to the framework of
the depot, to read the markings and to determine the absolute
position of the ratcheting drawer.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
ratcheting drawer is divided into a plurality of bins adapted to
hold the medical items. Generally, the bins are disposed to become
exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened. In one embodiment,
the controller receives authorization for access to the medical
items in the depot. The controller may determine which drawer and
which bin to access. The controller also tracks which bins have
been accessed and the position of the ratcheting drawer. Based on
certain information, the controller typically allows access to the
first bin of the ratcheting drawer containing one of the medical
items, as opposed to the empty bins in front of that bin.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the latching mechanism is normally engaged with one of the series
of one-directional teeth to prevent the ratcheting drawer from
opening beyond its current position. Upon receipt of a signal, the
controller disengages the latching mechanism until the ratcheting
drawer is positioned to expose the bin authorized for access. When
the sensor reads the marking that indicates that the ratcheting
drawer is appropriately positioned (i.e., the authorized bin is
exposed), the controller allows the latching mechanism to re-engage
to prevent further withdrawal of the ratcheting drawer.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
particular bin authorized for access may be determined by a
processing unit included in a cabinet or depot. Alternatively, a
processing unit may be configured to authorize opening of a
particular ratcheting drawer, and the ratcheting drawer assembly
may comprise a controller which tracks the bins that were
previously accessed and allows access to the next sequential
bin.
[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
ratcheting drawer is mounted in a module that is removably secured
in the cabinet. Further a plurality of ratcheting drawers may be
mounted in the module. The module is adapted to be removably
inserted within a cabinet so that a variety of modules having
various drawer configurations may be inserted in the cabinet.
[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
motorless device for controlling access to one or more medical
items is provided. The motorless device comprises at least one
ratcheting drawer with a plurality of bins adapted to hold medical
items and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is
opened, a sensor for determining a current position of the
ratcheting drawer relative to the plurality bins, and a latching
mechanism configured to engage the ratcheting drawer at any of a
plurality of positions to prevent the drawer from opening beyond
the current position while allowing the drawer to be closed.
Further, a ratcheting mechanism is operatively connected to the
drawer, and the ratcheting mechanism is selectively engaged by the
latching mechanism.
[0019] According to another embodiment, one of the drawers is a
return drawer. The controller obtains a signal that a medical item
is to be returned, the controller provides a signal to the latching
mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the next
empty bin in the series of bins for placement of a medical item to
be returned therein. After the medical item to be returned is
placed in the next empty bin, the bin is returned to an unexposed
position. Further, the controller does not allow exposure of the
contents of that bin until the controller receives a signal by an
authorized user.
[0020] According to another embodiment, a storage device for
controlling access to returned medical items in a medical facility
is provided. The storage device comprises a housing having a return
bin secured in the interior of the housing. The return bin has a
cavity with an opening, and the return bin is movable to a
plurality of positions. The housing has a first aperture that mates
with the opening in the return bin when the return bin is
positioned in a first position. The housing also has a cover which
overlays the first aperture in the housing to provide controlled
access to the cavity of the return bin inside the housing. An
actuator is provided and connected to the return bin. The actuator
manipulates movement of the return bin. A controller electrically
connected to the actuator provides the actuator with a signal for
manipulating the return bin between the first and second positions.
Additionally, the housing has a second aperture providing access to
the interior of the housing. A locking door covers the second
aperture to control access to the interior of the housing through
the second aperture.
[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method for securing access to medical items in a container is
provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a drawer
having a unidirectional ratcheting member, providing a latching
mechanism, providing a controller operatively connected to the
latching mechanism, and sending a signal from the controller to the
latching mechanism to manipulate the latching mechanism for
controlling engagement of the latching mechanism with the
ratcheting member. Additionally, a sensor may be provided and be
operatively connected to the controller. The sensor senses a
position of the drawer, and sends a signal from the sensor to the
controller of the position of the drawer.
[0022] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
method of returning a medical item to the storage device is
provided. The method comprises providing a housing having an
interior and a return bin in the housing. The housing has a cover
which is opened. When the cover is opened, the a cavity in the
return bin is accessible through a first aperture in the housing.
The medical items to be returned are then deposited within the
cavity of the return bin, and the cover is closed. When the cover
is closed an actuator manipulates the return bin from a first
position to a second position when the cover is closed, to expel
the contents of the items from the cavity into the interior of the
housing. The contents in the interior of the housing can then be
removed through a locking door.
[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with
the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0024] To understand the present invention, it will now be
described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medication depot having a
ratcheting drawer and a return storage system of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a module of ratcheting
drawers of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one ratcheting drawer
of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of one ratcheting drawer
of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a partial top view of the framework of the
ratcheting drawer assembly of FIG. 1, with one ratcheting drawer
removed;
[0030] FIG. 6A is a partial cut-away side elevation view of FIG.
5;
[0031] FIG. 6B is top plan view of FIG. 6a;
[0032] FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the latch mechanism of FIG.
5;
[0033] FIG. 8A is a partial cut-away side elevation view of the
return storage system of FIG. 1; and, FIG. 8B is a partial cut-away
side elevation view of the return storage system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with
the understanding that the present disclosures are to be considered
as exemplifications of the principles of the invention and are not
intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0035] Referring now in detail to the Figures, and initially to
FIG. 1, there is shown a storage device in the form of a medical
item/medication cabinet or depot 100 for storing and dispensing
medical items, such as medications, and for controlling and
monitoring access to the medical items in the depot 100. The
medication depot 100 may have wheels 101, and thus be moveable by a
nurse or other clinician. The medication depot 100 has a frame that
includes one or more apertures configured to accommodate drawer
assemblies 102. The drawer assemblies 102 include a drawer 104 for
storing and dispensing medical items. The drawer assemblies 102 may
also include a framework 134. The drawers 104 may be provided as
individual drawers of varying sizes. Additionally, as shown in FIG.
2, the drawers 104 may be provided as interchangeable modular units
108, having a plurality of drawers 104, that are inserted into the
cabinet 100. The drawers 104 may be lockable. As described herein,
any of the drawers 104 may also be of the ratcheting type to
control access to the individual drawers 104, and to control access
to various portions of each drawer.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the medication depot
100 has an interchangeable modular unit 108. The interchangeable
modular unit 108 comprises an array of ratcheting drawers 104
(i.e., five drawers wide and four drawers high, however, it is
understood that the module 108 can be of a variety of sizes to hold
a variety of drawers 104). The modular unit 108 is a retrofittable
unit that may be inserted into a modular opening in the cabinet
100. Drawers 104 of varying sizes may be provided in the modules
108, and different module units 108 may be interchangeably
installed in the same opening of the cabinet 100. Thus, by
combining drawer modules 108 with different types of drawers 104, a
medication depot 100 may be assembled to provide a desired quantity
of various size and various access-controllable drawers. For
example, in the medication depot 100 of FIG. 1, one module 108 of
ratcheting drawers 104 is combined with standard locking drawers
104 located below the module unit 108.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the modular unit 108 is illustrated in a
retracted position (i.e., prior to insertion or during removal of
the modular unit 108), however, in FIG. 1 the modular unit 108 is
shown in its fully seated position in the cabinet 100. The modular
unit 108 has slides 110, which are on the side of the modular unit
in the embodiment illustrated. The slides 110 engage a mating
member 112 of the cabinet 100. As such, the modular unit 108 is
easily insertable and removable from the cabinet 100.
[0038] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one of the ratcheting drawers 104
of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a front
perspective view of one embodiment of the ratcheting drawer 104,
and FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of one embodiment
of the ratcheting drawer 104. As shown in these figures, the
ratcheting drawer 104 has a height (H), width (W) and depth (D).
The ratcheting drawer 104 may further have a plurality of dividers
114 which divide the drawers 104 into separate bins 116 for storage
of the medical items, including medications and controlled
medications such as narcotics. The dividers 114 allow the bins 116
to become exposed sequentially as the drawer 104 is opened. Each
bin 116 is preferably configured to hold an individual item, and
with respect to medication, each bin 116 is preferably configured
to hold a unit dose of the medication. The size of bins 116 can be
adjusted by repositioning the dividers 114 which are adapted to be
adjustably positioned in the drawer 104.
[0039] The ratcheting drawer 104 has a ratcheting member 118. As
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment the ratcheting member 118
is a unidirectional member having a plurality of teeth 120. The
term unidirectional identifies that in one direction the ratcheting
member 118 does not prevent movement (i.e., the drawer 104 may be
pushed back into the cabinet 100 at any time), while in a second
direction the ratcheting member 118 may prevent movement if so
engaged (i.e., the latching mechanism 122 may engage the ratcheting
member 118 to stop the drawer 104 from further outward
movement).
[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the ratcheting member 118 is a linear
ratcheting gear, however, it is understood that other mechanical
and electrical configurations are interchangeable for the linear
ratcheting gear 118. The linear ratcheting gear 118 comprises a
series of one-directional or one-way teeth 120. The linear
ratcheting gear 118 having the one-directional teeth 120 is
disposed on the drawer 104 such that the assembly resists extension
of the drawer 104 (movement from back to front) when engaged, but
yet still allows retraction of the drawer 104 (movement of the
drawer from front to back) when engaged.
[0041] The ratcheting member 118 may be formed in a "U" shape as
shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment illustrated, the ratcheting
member 118 is disposed on the bottom surface of ratcheting drawer
104, and is affixed to ratcheting drawer 104 with the use of
screws, rivets, welding, brazing, or other attachment means known
in the art.
[0042] The ratcheting drawer 104 further has a first mating member
124 to physically support the ratcheting drawer 104 and to assist
the ratcheting drawer 104 to be slidingly opened and closed. The
first mating member engages a second mating member 126 for guiding
and supporting the drawer 104 as the drawer 104 is extended and
retracted. Typically, the second mating member 126 is fixedly
mounted within the medication depot 100 by being affixed to either
the framework 134 of the drawer assembly 102, the framework of the
modular unit 108, or the medication cabinet 100 itself. In the
embodiment illustrated, the second mating member 126 is affixed to
the framework 134 of the drawer assembly 102, however, it may also
be affixed to either the cabinet 102 or the modular unit 108.
Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated, the first mating
member 124 is centrally disposed on the bottom surface of the
ratcheting drawer 104 adjacent the ratcheting member 118. Further,
in the embodiment illustrated the first mating member 124 comprises
a channel or rail and the second mating member 124 comprises a
slide member (it is understood that these components may be
reversed). The first mating member 124 freely and slidingly engages
the second mating member 126 for providing sliding movement of the
drawer 104. It should be understood that while the first and second
mating members are illustrated and described as a rail and slide
engagement mechanism in the figures, other mating configurations
known in the art are contemplated and are within the scope of the
present invention.
[0043] As best shown in FIG. 4, the ratcheting drawer 104 also has
markings 128 thereon. Typically, the markings 128 are located on
the bottom of the drawer 104 opposing the ratcheting member 118,
however the markings 128 may also be placed at other locations. The
markings 128 are configured to provide data to a sensor 130 for
determining the position of the drawer 104. Further, the markings
128 may indicate the currently accessible bin 116. In the disclosed
embodiment, the markings 128 comprise binary marking stickers
(i.e., stickers where each of a series of positions is either light
or dark to provide a binary data word), however, other markings or
types of indicators are understood by those in the art. The
markings 128 extend about the entire depth (D) of the drawer 104 to
provide positioning information about the entire depth (D) of the
drawer 104.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sensor 130 is provided for
determining the position of the drawer 104. The sensor 130 may be
an optical sensor, such as a binary optical sensor, or it may be
any other type of sensor know in the art. The sensor 130 is
positioned to read the markings 128 disposed on the ratcheting
drawer 104. As the ratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted,
the markings 128 are sensed and sequentially read by sensor 130.
The sensor 130 then transmits data or other signals to a controller
132, or to a central processing unit that controls the controller
132, corresponding to the sensed information from the markings 128,
and indicative of the position of the drawer 104. Typically, the
sensor 130 is affixed to either the framework 134 of the drawer
assembly 102, the framework of the modular unit 108, or the
medication cabinet 100 itself. In the specific embodiment
illustrated, the sensor 130 is affixed to the framework 134 of the
drawer assembly 102. The sensor 130 remains stationary as the
ratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted. Affixing the
electronic components in a stationary position enhances the
reliability of the system.
[0045] The markings 128 for the drawer 104 are calibrated to allow
controller 132 to properly control access to the ratcheting drawer
104. Typically, calibration is conducted by calibrating the
markings 128 to the one-directional ratcheting member 118 and to
the bins 116. This calibration may be consummated by physical
alignment of the markings 128 with the one-directional ratcheting
member 118 and the bins 116, by software embedded in controller
132, or by a combination thereof.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the drawer assembly 102 for the
ratcheting drawers 104 also includes a latching mechanism 122. The
latching mechanism 122 controllably engages the ratcheting member
118. Typically, the latching mechanism 122 is affixed to either the
framework 134 of the drawer assembly 102, the framework of the
modular unit 108, or the medication cabinet 100 itself. In the
specific embodiment illustrated, the latching mechanism 122 is
affixed to the framework 134 of the drawer assembly 102. As such,
the latching mechanism 122 remains stationary as the ratcheting
drawer 104 is extended and retracted. Generally, when the
ratcheting drawers 104 are separate from a modular unit 108, the
latching mechanism 122 is a component of the assembly of the
ratcheting drawers 104. Additionally, when the ratcheting drawers
104 are part of the modular unit 108, the latching mechanism 122 is
also a component of the assembly 102 of the ratcheting drawers 104,
however, in this configuration the latching assembly 122 is also a
component of the module unit 108.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, one embodiment the latching
mechanism 122 comprises a solenoid 136 having an engaging member
138. The solenoid 136 is operatively connected to the controller
132. The engaging member 138 operatively engages the ratcheting
member 118 to prevent outward movement of the drawer 104. The
latching mechanism 122 is normally engaged with linear ratcheting
gear 118. Accordingly, when engaging member 138 of the latching
mechanism 122 is engaged with linear ratcheting gear 118, the
ratcheting drawer 104 is prevented from being further extended.
When the engaging member 138 of the latching mechanism 122 is
released from the linear ratcheting gear 118, however, an
authorized operator, such as a nurse, may extend the ratcheting
drawer 104 until the authorized one of the bins 116 is exposed.
Typically, when the latching mechanism 122 releases a drawer 104,
the drawer can be extended only one bin 116 length. At that point,
the sensor 130 senses the position of the drawer 104 and the
controller 132 transmits a signal to the latching mechanism 122 to
engage the linear ratcheting gear 118 so that the drawer 104 cannot
be extended further to prevent access to additional bins 116, if so
required. The ratcheting drawer 104, however, may be closed while
the latching mechanism 122 is engaged with the ratcheting mechanism
118. As such, the controller 132 controls engagement of the
ratcheting member 118 by the latching mechanism 122. And, the
present invention provides access to a first full one of the bins
upon each successive authorization, whereupon the medical item in
the one of the bins is withdrawn by the medication depot operator,
and the next one of the bins becomes the first full one of the
bins.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an ejection mechanism 140 is
provided in the ratcheting drawer assembly 102. In the embodiment
illustrated, the ejection mechanism 140 is affixed to the framework
134, however it may also be affixed to other stationary items such
as the modular unit 108 or the cabinet 100. The ejection mechanism
140 may comprise, for example, a spring 142 and a pusher 146,
whereby the spring 142 applies a force to the pusher 146 relative
to a fixed point of the medication depot 100 structural framework.
As such, when the drawer 104 is in the fully closed position and
the controller 132 sends a signal to the latching mechanism 122 to
disengage the ratcheting member 118 to open the drawer, the
ejection mechanism 140 provides an initial force to slide the
drawer 104 to a slightly open position, providing a visual
indication of the correct drawer to be accessed for authorized
removal of the medical item.
[0049] The controller 132 is configured to receive an authorization
signal from either a central computer or processor (not shown) or a
local computer or processor 148. The signal may be, for example, a
data signal corresponding to a specific one of the bins (210 in
FIG. 2) that a user, such as a nurse, is authorized to access.
Typically, the controller 132 includes a printed circuit board and
has software or controls which receives data, interprets data and
performs routines with the data to develop output, and it also
transmits the output. Further, the controller 132 may store data
and/or output. The signal may also correspond to a particular
ratcheting drawer 104, all of whose bins hold unit doses of one
particular medication, or a particular medication stored in one or
more ratcheting drawers. The controller 132 may be hardwired to the
central computer and/or local processor 148. In one embodiment the
controller 132 receives a remote signal, typically via a radio
frequency (RF) signal from the central processor. With remote use,
the cabinet 100 generally has a transmitter/receiver (not shown)
which can receive and transmit RF and other type signals with the
central processor. In one embodiment the controller 132 is a
separate unit from the local processor 148. In another embodiment,
the controller 132 and the local processor 148 are integral as in
FIG. 1.
[0050] When the authorization signal corresponds to a particular
drawer or medication, the controller 132 may be configured to track
which bins 116 of the ratcheting drawer 104 or ratcheting drawers
104 have been accessed. As explained above, the authorization
signal may be provided, for example, by the central processor.
Additionally, the authorization signal may be provided by a local
computer or processor 148. Typically, the central processor
controls both the local processor 148 and the controller 132. Both
the central processor unit and the local processor unit 148
interfaces with data files of the medical center and pharmacy.
Patient or medication data can be entered into the system at any
location, including at the local processing unit 148 via an
interface, such as a scanner 150 (e.g., by scanning a patient
identification strap) or a keyboard 152 (e.g., by entering a
patient identification code or a medication code). The local
processing unit 148 receives the patient or medication data,
verifies access authorization (e.g., by matching a prescription
file with patient identification data, and matching a personnel
identification with a medication control level) and provides a
control signal that unlocks a particular one of drawers 104 for
which access has been authorized.
[0051] As explained above, the controller 132 is electrically
connected to and configured to receive a signal from the sensor 130
indicating the position of the ratcheting drawer 104. Further, the
controller 132 tracks which bins have been accessed and the
position of the ratcheting drawer 104. As such, the controller 132
typically only allows access to the first bin 116 of the ratcheting
drawer 104 containing one of the medical items. When the controller
132 receives a certain authorization signal, it energizes the
solenoid 136, releasing the engaging member 138 of the latching
mechanism 122. The latching mechanism 122 is normally engaged with
linear ratcheting gear 118 attached to the drawer 104. Accordingly,
when latching mechanism 122 is engaged with linear ratcheting gear
118, it prevents the ratcheting drawer 104 from being further
extended. When latching mechanism 122 releases the ratcheting gear
118, however, an authorized operator, such as a nurse, pulling on
the drawer 104 may extend the ratcheting drawer 104 from the
cabinet 100. Further, when the latching mechanism 122 releases the
ratcheting gear 118 in the fully closed position the spring
mechanism above provides an initial force to at least partially
open the drawer 104. Then, when the ratcheting drawer 104
approaches a position exposing the authorized bin 116, as indicated
by sensor 130 reading the markings 128, controller 132 de-energizes
solenoid 136, and latching mechanism 122 re-engages the ratcheting
mechanism 118 to prevent the drawer 104 from being opened
further.
[0052] In the embodiment illustrated, all electronic components of
the ratcheting drawer assembly 102 (i.e., sensor 130, controller
132, and solenoid 136) are affixed to some framework and remain
stationary as the ratcheting drawer 104 is extended and retracted.
Affixing the electronic components in a stationary position will
enhance the reliability of the system in comparison to devices that
incorporate moving electronic components. As shown in FIG. 6, the
latching mechanism 122 and the sensor 130 are positioned generally
below the top of second mating member 126. The sensor 130 and the
components of the latching mechanism 122 have a height such that
they can be positioned below the ratcheting drawer 104 and still
leave sufficient height for the bins 116 of the ratcheting drawer
104 to contain medical items. Therefore, essentially the full depth
D of the drawer may comprise storage bins 116. Using the full depth
of the drawer 104 for storage increases the number of bins 116 that
are provided in a drawer 104 of a given depth, and increases
storage density which is an important attribute of medication
depots.
[0053] FIGS. 5 and 7 show alternative latching mechanisms 122,
respectively accommodating different orientations of solenoid 136.
In FIG. 5, the solenoid 136 is oriented to provide displacement of
the engaging member 138. The solenoid 136 is positioned parallel to
linear ratcheting gear 118 (i.e., parallel to the direction of
sliding motion of the ratcheting drawer). The engaging member 138
in FIG. 5 is connected to the solenoid 136 through a pivoting
linkage 154 which translates the motion approximately 90.degree.. A
biasing member (not shown) in the form of a spring may also be
provided to maintain the engaging member 138 in contact with the
ratcheting member 118 when the solenoid 136 is not energized. As
such, the ratcheting member is normally engaged by the latching
mechanism to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer beyond the
current position. Then, when the controller obtains authorization
for access to the one or more medical items stored in a particular
bin 116 the controller 132 provides a signal to the latching
mechanism 122 to disengage the ratcheting member 118 to expose the
particular bin 116 of the particular drawer 104.
[0054] In FIG. 7, solenoid 136 is oriented to provide displacement
of an engaging member 138 directly away from linear ratcheting gear
118 when the solenoid 136 is positioned perpendicular to the
direction of sliding motion of ratcheting drawer (i.e.,
perpendicular to the linear ratcheting gear 118). The
one-directional teeth 120 of linear ratcheting gear 118 have an
engaging face 119 perpendicular to the direction of sliding motion
of ratcheting drawer 104 and a sliding face 121 at a small angle to
the to the direction of sliding motion of ratcheting drawer 104 to
provide a mechanical advantage that allows the ratcheting drawer to
be easily retracted. In the latching mechanisms illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 7, the engaging member 138 is disposed to engage the
engaging face 119 of one of the one-directional teeth 120 when the
solenoid 136 is de-energized. When solenoid 136 is energized the
plunger 137 of the solenoid 136 withdrawals the engaging member 138
from linear ratcheting gear 118, allowing the ratcheting drawer 104
to slide open. The engaging member 138 may be a rotating wheel to
provide minimal resistance to closing the ratcheting drawer by
rolling on the sliding face 121.
[0055] Further, one of the drawers 104 may be a return drawer. A
return drawer is an empty drawer where medical items may be
returned to the system, as opposed to containing a medical item for
disbursement thereof. Typically, the control of return drawer
system operates in the reverse manner as the standard distribution
drawer. As such, when the controller 132 obtains a signal that a
medical item is to be returned, the controller 132 provides a
signal to the latching mechanism 122 to disengage the ratcheting
member 118 to expose the next empty bin 116 in series adjacent the
front of the drawer 104 for placement of a medical item to be
returned therein. After the medical item to be returned is placed
in the next empty bin 116, the bin is returned to an unexposed
position, i.e. the bin and/or the drawer is closed, and the
controller 132 does not allow exposure of the contents of that bin
116 until the controller receives a signal by an authorized user.
The user may then provide a command to the system indicating that
the specific medical item has been returned.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8a-8b, a return storage device 160
is provided for controlling access to returned medical items in a
medical facility. The return storage device 160 may be connected to
the medical cart or some other fixture, or it may be a separate,
stand-alone component. The return storage device 160 generally
includes a housing 162 and a return bin 164. The housing 162 has an
interior 166, a first aperture 168, and a second aperture 170.
Typically, the first aperture 168 is located on a top or upper
portion of the housing 162, and the second aperture 170 is located
toward a bottom or lower portion of the housing 162, well below the
first aperture 168. The first aperture 168 has a cover 172 which is
operated by a solenoid (not shown) to provide controlled access to
the interior of the housing 162. The second aperture 170 has a
locking door 171 covering it to control access to the interior 166
of the housing 162. In one embodiment, access to unlock the locking
door 171 is prevented by the cover 172 overlaying the lock of the
locking door 171.
[0057] The return bin 164 is secured in the interior of the housing
162, and the return bin 164 has a cavity 174 with an opening 176.
In one embodiment, the return bin 164 is a drum. The return bin is
movable in the interior 166 of the housing 162 to a plurality of
positions. Two such positions include the first position 178 and
the second position 180 (shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b). The return bin
164 is movable through an actuator 182, which may be mechanically
driven or may be weight driven. Additionally, the return bin 164
may be moveable through a weight (not shown). Finally, the return
bin 164 may be moveable through a combination of an actuator 164
and a separate weight. In one embodiment, the actuator 182 is a
linkage controlled with a solenoid (not shown). The actuator 182
and/or the weight (not shown) manipulate movement of the return bin
164. Typically, all movement of the return bin 164, including the
actuator 182, and the cover 172 of the housing is controlled by the
controller, which may be the same controller 132 for the ratcheting
drawer 104.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 8a the return bin 164 is shown in the
second position 180. In the second position 180, and typically in
any position other than the first position 178, an exterior 184 of
the return bin 164 mates with the first aperture 168 in the housing
162 to operatively close the interior of the housing 162. Further,
in the second position 180, with the opening 176 of the return bin
164 facing downward, gravity acts on the contents in the cavity 174
to all the contents of the cavity to be expelled into the interior
166 of the housing 162. The return bin 164 may have a weight (not
shown) to assist or provide movement of the return bin 164 from the
second position 180 to the first position 178 such that motors,
solenoids, springs, etc... are not required. The actuator 182,
however, maintains the return bin 164 in the second position 180
when the cover 172 of the housing 162 is closed. Further, the
actuator 182 assists in moving the return bin 164 from the first
position 178 to the second position 180 after the cover 172 has
been closed. In the second position 180 the cover 172 remains
locked in the closed position by the solenoid (not shown).
[0059] As shown in FIG. 8b, the return bin 164 is shown in the
first position 178. In the first position 178 the opening 176 of
the return bin 164 is positioned in-line or mating with the first
aperture 168 in the housing 162. Typically, the cover 172 of the
housing only opens with the opening 176 of the return bin 168 mates
with the first opening 176. In this position medical items can be
deposited in the cavity 174 of the return bin 164 through the
opening 176. To position the return bin 164 in the first position
178, the weight manipulates movement of the return bin 164 from the
second position 180, or any other position, to the first position
178. As explained above, in one embodiment the movement is
conducted through rotation of the return bin 164. Alternatively,
the actuator 182 may assist or provide movement of the return bin
164 to the first position 178. The actuator 182 may be operatively
connected to the cover 172 such that when the cover 172 opens, the
weight and/or the actuator 182 has manipulated, or is manipulating,
the return bin 164 to have the opening 176 in the cavity 174 mate
with the first aperture 178 in the housing 162, and such that when
the cover 174 is closed, the actuator 182 manipulates the return
bin 164 to have the exterior 184 covering the first aperture 178 to
prevent access to the interior 166 of the housing 162.
[0060] Additionally, a keyed lock (not shown) may be provided to
override the controller for opening and closing the cover,
especially during malfunction of the system or during a power
failure.
[0061] It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central
characteristics thereof. The present embodiments, therefore, are to
be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
and the invention is not to be limited to the details given
herein.
* * * * *