Apparatus and method for accepting return of unused medical items

A method for accepting unused medical items and for storing and delivering the unused items, the method performed with apparatus having a housing including a return drawer and at least one retrieve drawer, and wherein the return drawer includes a first pocket portion and a second pocket portion therein, wherein the first and second pocket portions are separated by a divider and wherein each of the first and second pocket portions includes a respective opening, at least one door, wherein the door is selectively movable between a first position in adjacent blocking relation with the associated opening, and a second open position in which the door does not block the associated opening, and wherein the at least one retrieve drawer includes therein a first storage area and a second storage area, said method comprising

• (a) moving the return drawer outward relative to the housing to an open position, wherein the first pocket portion is accessible from outside the housing and the door associated with the first pocket portion blocks the opening of the first pocket portion;
• (b) placing a first medical item in the first pocket portion of the return drawer;
• (c) moving the return drawer to a closed position wherein the first pocket portion is within the housing;
• (d) opening the door associated with the first pocket portion wherein the first item passes through the opening of the first pocket portion into the first storage area;
• (e) moving the return drawer outward relative to the housing to an open position, wherein the second pocket portion is accessible from outside the housing and the door associated with the second pocket portion blocks the opening of the second pocket portion;
• (f) placing a second medical item in the second pocket portion;
• (g) moving the return drawer to a closed position wherein the second pocket portion is within the housing;
• and
• (h) opening the door associated with the second pocket portion wherein the second medical item passes through the opening of the second pocket portion into the second storage area.

A method for accepting unused medical items and for storing and delivering the unused items, the method performed with apparatus having a housing including a return drawer and a retrieve drawer and wherein the return drawer includes a pocket therein, and wherein the pocket has an opening with a trap door selectively movable into a first position in adjacent blocking relation with said opening, and a second open position disposed from the opening, and wherein the retrieve drawer includes a retrieve area therein, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing a removable liner in the retrieve drawer;
• moving the return drawer outward relative to the housing to an open position, wherein the pocket is accessible from outside the housing and wherein in the open position, the trap door blocks the opening of the pocket;
• placing a medical item in the pocket of the return drawer when the return drawer is in the open position;
• moving the return drawer to a closed position wherein the pocket is within the housing;
• and
• opening the trap door wherein the item passes through the opening from the pocket into an interior area of the liner in the retrieve area of the retrieve drawer.

Apparatus for accepting medical items comprising:

• a housing;
• a return drawer movably mounted in supporting connection with the housing, the return drawer including a first pocket portion and a second pocket portion separated from the first pocket portion, each of the first and second pocket portions including at least one associated opening, wherein the return drawer is movable relative to the housing between positions wherein the first and second pocket portions are accessible from outside the housing and wherein the first and second pocket portions are generally within the housing and inaccessible from outside the housing;
• at least one retrieve area in supporting connection with the housing, wherein the retrieve area includes a first storage area and a second storage area separated from the first storage area;
• at least one door movably mounted relative to the openings associated with the first and second pocket portions;
• at least one actuator in operative connection with the at least one door, wherein the actuator is operative to cause the openings associated with the first and second pocket portions respectively to be closed when the first and second pocket portions are positioned to be accessible from outside the housing, and to cause the first pocket portion to be in communication with the first storage area and the second pocket portion to be in communication with the second storage area when the first and second pocket portions are positioned within the housing.