Medication dispensing system

Abstract

Abstract A medication dispensing system comprises a portable, securable medication cabinet which includes a programmable logic controller to provide for patient medication control. The system includes periperal components such as a transmitter, patient response means, display means, and a clock. The securable medication cabinet permits easy access by the patient to medication which is prescribed and dispensed logically. The securable cabinet restricts access by the patient to unauthorized medication. The securable medication cabinet contains a plurality of medication dispensing components, each comprising dispensing means, such as a coil attached to a motor positioned interiorly of a wall of the cabinet, to hold a medication package and dispense the package upon actuation of the dispensing means, with means for actuating the dispensing means. A receptacle in the bottom of the cabinet receives a medication package as it is dispensed. A door in a side wall of the cabinet permits access by the patient to a medication package in the receptacle, but a stop in the cabinet restricts opening of the door so that the patient may not reach unauthorized medication packages. The programmable logic controller accepts prescription data and accepts and evaluates patient physical data. The controller is interfaced with the medication dispensing components to select a dispensing component in re prescription data and patient physical data; is interfaced with display components to indicate response by patient to a signal entered; and is interfaced with a peripheral system to respond to a reaction of patient.

Inventors

• 👤 Joseph D. Turner

Bibliographic Details