Automated programmable medication reminder and dispensing system

Abstract

An integrated medication reminder apparatus for providing audible reminder messages at predetermined times includes a clock means for generating real time signals, a voice recorder/playback means for recording and playing voice reminder messages, a sleep-mode means for generating a communications signal for communication with a secondary communications device, and an acknowledgement means for generating acknowledgement signals. A controller receives the real time signals and communications signal, establishes communications with the secondary communications device, instructs the voice recorder/playback means to send and play the reminder messages at the secondary communications device at predetermined times, and initiates a phone call to a designated care-giver via a locally connected telephone, in the absence of an acknowledgement signal after a voice reminder message has been played, and optionally, if removable a pill box of a pill dispenser coupled to the reminder apparatus is not removed and reinserted in a timely manner.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.