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US 11,432,999 B2Granted
Automatic pill dispenser and methods for automatic pill dispensing
AssigneeDose Health, LLC
InventorPaul Hines
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A portable, versatile pill dispensing system can be used in a variety of settings and for a variety of pill dispensing regimens. Such systems and methods can be configured for intuitive filling or refilling, early or flexible dispensing, remote monitoring software to verify user compliance with a predetermined medication regimen, and features designed to improve compliance while traveling.
Claims16
An automated pill dispensing device comprising:
- a base;
- a lid configured to mechanically engage with the base, the lid defining an aperture;
- a carousel configured to be arranged between the base and the lid when the base and the lid are mechanically engaged,
- the carousel defining a plurality of bins each having a size corresponding to that of the aperture;
- the carousel defining a slot;
- and
- the carousel having a zero position indicator with a size corresponding to that of the aperture, wherein each of the plurality of bins define a gap and the zero position indicator defines a gap end;
- an indicator strip configured to fit within the gaps corresponding to the plurality of bins;
- a motor affixed to the base and also coupled to a tooth, wherein the tooth is configured to mechanically engage with the slot of the carousel;
- and
- a medication dispensing system configured to indicate if a medication is dispensed.
8 more elements
A method for early dispensing a medication for a system, the method comprising:
- providing an automated pill dispensing system comprising:
- a base;
- a lid configured to mechanically engage with the base, the lid defining an aperture;
- a carousel configured to be arranged between the base and the lid when
- the base and the lid are mechanically engaged,
- the carousel defining a plurality of bins each having a size corresponding to that of the aperture;
- the carousel defining a slot;
- and
- the carousel having a zero position indicator with a size corresponding to that of the aperture;
- a motor affixed to the base and also coupled to a tooth, wherein the tooth is configured to mechanically engage with the slot of the carousel;
- and
- a touchscreen, wherein the lid comprises a second aperture such that the touchscreen is accessible when the lid is mechanically engaged with the base;
- using the touchscreen to navigate to an early dispense option;
- dispensing the medications associated with a particular bin of the plurality of bins before an associated dispensing time has occurred;
- and
- applying a software lock to prevent dispensing a subsequent medication before its associated dispensing time.
13 more elements
A method for determining compliance with a predetermined medication regimen, the method comprising:
- providing an automated pill dispensing system comprising:
- a base;
- a lid configured to mechanically engage with the base, the lid defining an aperture;
- a carousel configured to be arranged between the base and the lid when
- the base and the lid are mechanically engaged,
- the carousel defining a plurality of bins each having a size corresponding to that of the aperture;
- the carousel defining a slot;
- and
- the carousel having a zero position indicator with a size corresponding to that of the aperture, wherein each of the plurality of bins define a gap and the zero position indicator defines a gap end;
- an indicator strip configured to fit within the gaps corresponding to the plurality of bins;
- a motor affixed to the base and also coupled to a tooth, wherein the tooth is configured to mechanically engage with the slot of the carousel;
- and
- a touchscreen, wherein the lid comprises a second aperture such that the touchscreen is accessible when the lid is mechanically engaged with the base;
- providing a graphical user interface remote from the automated pill dispensing system;
- and
- displaying, at the graphical user interface, information indicative of whether a user has complied with the predetermined medication regimen.
13 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.