Medication cabinetry
Inventors
Biba, Scott I. • Koplin, Randall S. • Lee, Daniel J. • Soukup, Kathy L. • Michael, James A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9888774-B2
Publication Date
2018-02-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
An exemplary embodiment includes a cabinet having at least one drawer with selectable access for storing items, such as medications. A slidable cover with a first opening allows for closure and/or access to items in an interior of the drawer. The cabinet further includes an actuator coupled to the cover and a controller coupled to the actuator to control movement of the first opening relative to the drawer interior in response to signals generated from a user interface.
Core Innovation
Medication cabinetry is described as having selectable access to contents of a drawer assembly or drawer compartments. In one arrangement, a drawer unit includes a first compartment and a second compartment, and a belt including a first opening and a second opening. An electric actuator moves the belt relative to the drawer unit to align each opening with its corresponding compartment so that contents can be accessed selectively.
In another arrangement, a drawer housing supports a drawer unit moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. A flexible cover covering the drawer unit includes at least one opening extending through the cover, and the flexible cover is moveable between at least three different positions. Movement provides access to the first compartment, access to the second compartment, and blocking of the first and second compartments, controlled by an electronic controller and an electronic actuator.
To support safe or restricted operation, the drawer assembly or cabinet includes an interlock configured to prevent operation of the electric actuator when a substantial portion of the drawer unit is not located within a drawer housing. Position-related detection is described, including an optical sensor unit based on apertures for generating sensor signals indicating location of the openings relative to the compartments.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims in the provided set are clm-00001, clm-00009, and clm-00015, each directed to selectable access for drawer compartments using a movable access element and electric actuation, with additional restrictions or cover positioning features.
Selectable access by belt openings aligned with drawer compartments
A drawer unit including a first compartment and a second compartment, a belt including a first opening sized to provide access to the first compartment and a second opening sized to provide access to the second compartment, and an electric actuator coupled to the belt and configured to move the belt relative to the drawer unit to align the first opening with the first compartment and to align the second opening with the second compartment.
Interlock preventing actuator operation when drawer unit is not within the drawer housing
An interlock configured to prevent operation of the electric actuator when a substantial portion of the drawer unit is not located within a drawer housing.
Flexible cover moved among at least three positions to provide access and blocking
A drawer housing including an opening, a drawer unit moveable within the drawer housing between an extended position and a retracted position with an interior divided into at least a first compartment and a second compartment, and a flexible cover covering the drawer unit and including at least one opening extending through the cover, wherein the flexible cover is moveable between at least three different positions to provide access to the first compartment, to provide access to the second compartment and to block the first and second compartment.
Electronic actuator and electronic controller for moving the flexible cover
An electronic actuator coupled to the flexible cover to move the flexible cover between the at least three different positions, wherein the electronic actuator is supported by the drawer unit such that the electronic actuator moves with the drawer unit as the drawer unit moves between the extended position and the retracted position, and an electronic controller configured to control the electronic actuator to cause movement of the flexible cover between the at least three different positions.
Flexible cover moveable on rollers driven by electric actuator
A drawer assembly comprising a drawer unit including a first compartment and a second compartment; a flexible cover covering the drawer unit and including at least one opening extending through the cover; a first roller supported from a first end of the drawer unit; a second roller supported from a second end of the drawer unit opposite the first end, wherein the flexible cover is moveably supported above the first compartment and above the second compartment by the first and second rollers; and an electric actuator coupled to at least one of the first and second rollers, wherein operation of the electric actuator causes rotation of the first and second rollers causing movement of the flexible cover relative to the drawer unit.
Across clm-00001, clm-00009, and clm-00015, the main claim coverage is selectable compartment access implemented by an electric actuator-driven movable belt or flexible cover that aligns openings or switches among multiple cover positions, with clm-00001 further requiring an interlock that prevents actuator operation unless the drawer unit is located within the drawer housing.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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