US3815780A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Clock having means for periodically dispensing and controlling the release of articles
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1970-07-20
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Granted: 1974-06-11
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Expires: 1990-07-20
Abstract
Abstract A clock having time-measuring means includes a pill-dispensing apparatus driven by the time-measuring means for dispensing a pill and for controlling release of the dispensed pill in a manner to regulate consumption of the pill so that the same may only be consumed during a preselected, pill-taking time interval. Means driven by the time-measuring means control access to the dispensed pill and actuate audible and/or visible signaling means to indicate whether a dispensed pill may be, should be or has been consumed.
Inventors
- 👤 H Bauer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 00:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61J; A61J7/00; A61J7/04; A61J7/0409; A61J7/0481; G; G04; G04B; G04B19/00; G04B19/26; G04B19/264; G04C; G04C21/00; G04C21/16; G04C21/36; A61J7/0427; A61J7/0445
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
An apparatus for automatically dispensing individual articles, such as pills, in a predeterminable prime pattern comprising: time-measuring means; an article-receiving chute; manually operable gAte means controlling access to said chute; an article container driven by said time-measuring means in a manner to deposit articles in said chute at periodic intervals; manually operable gate means controlling access to said chute and including a lever mounted for pivoting movement between a closed and an open position; a program roller mounted for rotating movement and driven by said time measuring means, said program roller having a cam surface formed thereon; and a control member mounted for pivoting movement and having a cam follower engageable with said cam surface for cooperating therewith to pivot said member, said control member having a portion forming a stop engageable with said lever in a manner to retain said lever in the closed position for manual operation thereof.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
150 words
An apparatus for automatically dispensing individual articles, such as pills, in a predeterminable prime pattern comprising: time-measuring means; an article-receiving chute; manually operable gAte means controlling access to said chute; an article container driven by said time-measuring means in a manner to deposit articles in said chute at periodic intervals; manually operable gate means controlling access to said chute and including a lever mounted for pivoting movement between a closed and an open position; a program roller mounted for rotating movement and driven by said time measuring means, said program roller having a cam surface formed thereon; and a control member mounted for pivoting movement and having a cam follower engageable with said cam surface for cooperating therewith to pivot said member, said control member having a portion forming a stop engageable with said lever in a manner to retain said lever in the closed position for manual operation thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said lever included by said manually operable gate means has a key formed on one end thereof, said key having a portion formed to at least partially close said chute when said lever is in a closed position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, said cam surface having a portion formed to cooperate with said cam follower for pivoting said control member to a blocking position wherein said stop engages said lever to prevent manual operation thereof; and said cam surface having another portion cooperating with said cam follower for permitting said control member to pivot to a non-blocking position wherein said stop is out of engagement with said lever.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
An apparatus according to claim 3, including electrically operated, audible signaling means; switch means forming a portion of a circuit controlling operation of said signaling means and having an actuating member engageable by a portion of said pivotally mounted control member; and portions on said cam surface cooperating with said cam follower for permitting movement of said control member in a manner to actuate said switch means for operating said signaling means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
67 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, including latching means operated by manual movement of said lever to the open position, said latching means pivoting said control member and maintaining said control member in a pivoted position wherein said cam follower will not cooperate with said switch-actuating cam portions, thereby preventing operation of said signaling means once said gate means has been manually operated during the pill-taking interval.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-10 | 1977-12-10 | 1978-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-10 | 1981-12-10 | 1982-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-10 | 1985-12-10 | 1986-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |