US5673983A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cassette assembly and unit dose medication cart using the cassette assembly
Assignee: Metro Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1995-04-21
•
Granted: 1997-10-07
•
Expires: 2015-04-21
Abstract
Abstract A medication cart features a frame assembly formed from a plurality of vertical support posts and wall panels secured to the posts. Each support post has a plurality of equally-spaced, radially extending flanges running the longitudinal length of the post. The medication cart contains, in addition to an array of drawers and bins, a multi-level cassette assembly. An internal locking mechanism secures the cassette assembly when it is positioned in the medication cart, and an external locking mechanism secures the cassette assembly outside of the medication cart.
Inventors
- 👤 Bradley J. Carlson
- 👤 David A. Reppert
- 👤 Michael B. Burns
- 👤 Jonathan M. Daugherty
- 👤 Kenneth A. Stevens
- 👤 Craig F. Orlove
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:22
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61G; A61G12/00; A61G12/001; A47; A47B; A47B67/00; A47B67/04; E; E05; E05B; E05B65/00; E05B65/46; E05B65/462; A61G2203/00; A61G2203/30; A61G2203/36; E05B47/00; E05B47/0001; E05B2047/0014; E05B2047/0018; E05B2047/0024; E05B2047/0097; E05B47/0012
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 78
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A cassette assembly, comprising: frame means for Supporting at least one cassette tray, said frame means including side panels with corrugated interior surfaces and ribbed outer surfaces; at least one cassette tray slidably supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means for, individually securing said frame means and said cassette tray in an enclosed structure; and external locking means for securing said bin within said frame means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A cassette assembly, comprising: frame means for Supporting at least one cassette tray, said frame means including side panels with corrugated interior surfaces and ribbed outer surfaces; at least one cassette tray slidably supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means for, individually securing said frame means and said cassette tray in an enclosed structure; and external locking means for securing said bin within said frame means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 1, wherein said internal locking means includes an opening in said ribbed outer surfaces and engagable means on said cassette tray engagable through the opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 2, wherein said engagable means forms a notched portion on a lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 3, wherein said internal locking means further includes a front lip on said cassette tray, wherein said bin must be lifted over said lip when being withdrawn.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 3, wherein the notched portion is formed in a channel on said lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 1, wherein said external locking means includes a locking rod slidably disposed in said frame means and actuating means in operable engagement with said locking rod and also disposed in said frame means, said locking rod engaging said cassette tray in a locked position to prevent it from being withdrawn from said frame means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 6, wherein said locking rod includes a tooth and said cassette tray includes a latch for engaging said tooth.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 7, wherein said latch includes an abutting face for abutting said tooth and an angled face for sliding over said tooth and biasing said latch.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a stabilizing rod disposed in said frame means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a label cover rotatably secured to said bin.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 1, wherein said frame means further includes a back panel secured between said side panel and sandwiched between top and bottom components.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
100 words
A cassette assembly for use in an enclosed structure having a corfugered interior and a security system, said cassette assembly comprising; a cassette frame for supporting at least one cassette tray, said cassette frame having ribbed exterior surfaces for interfacing with the corrugated interior of the enclosed structure; at least one cassette tray supported an said cassette frame; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means, operable with the security system, for individually securing said cassette frame and said tray in the enclosed structure; and external locking means for securing said bin in said cassette frame.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
100 words
A cassette assembly for use in an enclosed structure having a corfugered interior and a security system, said cassette assembly comprising; a cassette frame for supporting at least one cassette tray, said cassette frame having ribbed exterior surfaces for interfacing with the corrugated interior of the enclosed structure; at least one cassette tray supported an said cassette frame; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means, operable with the security system, for individually securing said cassette frame and said tray in the enclosed structure; and external locking means for securing said bin in said cassette frame.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
49 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 12, wherein said cassette frame includes a plurality of side panels and a back panel secured together and sandwiched between top and bottom components, with each side panel having an interior surface formed with corrugations defining a slot and said ribbed exterior surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 12, wherein said internal locking means includes an opening in said ribbed exterior surfaces, and engagable means on said cassette tray engagable through the opening.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 14, wherein said engagable means forms a notched portion on a lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 15, wherein said internal locking means further includes a front lip on said cassette tray, wherein said bins must be lifted over said lip when being withdrawn.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 15, wherein the notched portion is formed in a channel on said lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 12, wherein said external locking means includes a locking rod slidably mounted in said cassette frame; and actuation means for actuating said locking rod to engage said cassette tray.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 18, wherein said cassette tray includes a latch for engaging said locking rod.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 19, wherein said locking rod includes a tooth and said latch includes an abutting face for abutting said tooth and an angled face for sliding over said tooth, with said latch being biased when said angled face slides over said tooth.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
168 words
A cart, comprising: an enclosed structure comprised of a plurality of support posts, at least two side walls supported between said support posts, each side wall have a corrugated interior surface, a bottom platform supporting said support posts and said side walls and a top platform fitting over said support posts and said side walls; locking means for securing said enclosed structure; and a cassette assembly removably supported in said enclosed structure, said cassette assembly comprising: frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray, said frame means including side panels with corrugated interior surfaces and ribbed outer surfaces, with said ribbed outer surfaces engaging with said corrugated interior surface of said side walls; at least one cassette tray supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means, operably engaged by said locking means, for individually securing said frame means and said cassette tray in said enclosed structure; and external locking means for securing said bin within said frame means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
168 words
A cart, comprising: an enclosed structure comprised of a plurality of support posts, at least two side walls supported between said support posts, each side wall have a corrugated interior surface, a bottom platform supporting said support posts and said side walls and a top platform fitting over said support posts and said side walls; locking means for securing said enclosed structure; and a cassette assembly removably supported in said enclosed structure, said cassette assembly comprising: frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray, said frame means including side panels with corrugated interior surfaces and ribbed outer surfaces, with said ribbed outer surfaces engaging with said corrugated interior surface of said side walls; at least one cassette tray supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means, operably engaged by said locking means, for individually securing said frame means and said cassette tray in said enclosed structure; and external locking means for securing said bin within said frame means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
A cart according to claim 21, wherein said internal locking means includes an opening in said ribbed outer surfaces and engagable means on said cassette tray engagable through the opening.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
A cart according to claim 22, wherein said engagable means forms a notched portion on a lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
A cart according to claim 23, wherein said internal locking means further includes a front lip on said cassette tray, wherein said bins must be lifted over said lip when being withdrawn.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cart according to claim 23, wherein the notched portion is formed in a channel on said lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
41 words
A cart according to claim 23, wherein said locking means includes a locking finger actuable within the opening in said ribbed outer surface of said internal locking means in a locked position and out of the opening in an unlocked position.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cart according to claim 26, wherein said lacking finger disposed in the locked position engages the notched portion on said cassette tray.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
A cart according to claim 27, wherein said locking finger includes a flat face for abutting said cassette tray and an angled face for allowing said cassette tray to slide relative thereto.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
59 words
A cart according to claim 21, wherein said external locking means includes a locking rod slidably disposed in said frame means and actuating means in operable engagement with said locking rod and also disposed in said frame means, said locking rod engaging said cassette tray in a locked position to prevent it from being withdrawn from said frame means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cart according to claim 29, wherein said locking rod includes a tooth and said cassette tray includes a latch for engaging said tooth.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
A cart according to claim 30, wherein said latch includes an abutting face for abutting said tooth and an angled face for sliding over said tooth biasing said latch.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
A cart according to claim 21, further comprising a stabilizing rod-and-secured in said frame means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
61 words
A cart according to claim 21, wherein each said support post includes: an elongated tubular post; and a plurality of spaced flanges extending radially from said post and running in a longitudinal direction along said post, each said flange having a first portion extending radially from said post and a second portion extending from a terminal end of said first portion.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
A cart according to claim 21, further comprising control means for controlling said locking means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
52 words
A cart according to claim 34, wherein said control means comprises: input means for inputting information; storing means for storing access information; and access control means for controlling said locking means in accordance with (i) the information input by said input means and iii) the access information stored in said storing means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
81 words
A cart according to claim 35, wherein said input means comprises means for inputting a user code, wherein said storing means comprises user code storing means for storing valid user codes, and wherein said access control means comprises (a) means for comparing a user code input by said input means with valid user codes stored in said user code storing means and for producing a comparison result and (b) means for controlling the locking mechanism in accordance with the comparison result.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cart according to claim 36, wherein said input means comprises a keypad, and wherein said user code storing means comprises a non-volatile memory.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
38 words
A cart according to claim 34, wherein said control means further comprises: timing means for measuring elapsed time; and time control means for controlling said locking means in accordance with the elapsed time measured by said timing means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
A cart according to claim 38, wherein said time control means comprises means for locking the locking mechanism in accordance with the elapsed time measured by said timing means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cart according to claim 39, wherein said time locking means comprises means for locking the locking mechanism in accordance with said timing means measuring an elapsed time greater than a predetermined time.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
31 words
A cart according to claim 21, wherein each support post includes: an elongated post; and means for defining at least one groove extending in the longitudinal direction of said elongated post.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
62 words
A cassette assembly, comprising: frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray; a cassette tray slidably supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means, interfacing with an external security system, for individually locking said frame means and said cassette tray; and external locking means for locking said bin in said frame means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
62 words
A cassette assembly, comprising: frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray; a cassette tray slidably supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means, interfacing with an external security system, for individually locking said frame means and said cassette tray; and external locking means for locking said bin in said frame means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
92 words
A cassette assembly, comprising: frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray, said frame means including side panels with corrugated interior surfaces and ribbed outer surfaces; at least one cassette tray slidably supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means for securing said cassette frame in an enclosed structure, said internal locking means including an opening in at least one of said ribbed outer surfaces for receiving a security system; and external locking means for securing said bin within said frame means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
92 words
A cassette assembly, comprising: frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray, said frame means including side panels with corrugated interior surfaces and ribbed outer surfaces; at least one cassette tray slidably supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means for securing said cassette frame in an enclosed structure, said internal locking means including an opening in at least one of said ribbed outer surfaces for receiving a security system; and external locking means for securing said bin within said frame means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 43, wherein said internal locking means includes engagable means on said cassette tray engagable through the opening in said ribbed outer surface.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 44, wherein said engagable means forms a notched portion on a lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 45, wherein said internal locking means further includes a front lip on said cassette tray, wherein said bin must be lifted over said lip when being withdrawn.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 45, wherein the notched portion is formed in a channel on said lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
60 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 43, wherein said external locking means includes a locking rod slidably disposed in said frame means and actuating means in operable engagement with said locking rod and also disposed in said frame means, said locking rod engaging said cassette tray in a locked position to prevent it from being withdrawn from said frame means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 48, wherein said locking rod includes a tooth and said cassette tray includes a latch for engaging said tooth.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
31 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 49, wherein said latch includes an abutting face for abutting said tooth and an angled face for sliding over said tooth and biasing said latch.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
112 words
A cassette assembly for use in an enclosed structure having a corrugated interior and a security system, said cassette assembly comprising: a cassette frame for supporting at least one cassette tray, said cassette frame having ribbed exterior surfaces for interfacing with the corrugated interior of the enclosed structure; at least one cassette tray supported in said cassette frame; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means for securing said cassette frame in the enclosed structure, said internal locking means including an opening in at least one of said ribbed exterior surfaces for receiving the security system; and external locking means for securing said bin in said cassette frame.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
112 words
A cassette assembly for use in an enclosed structure having a corrugated interior and a security system, said cassette assembly comprising: a cassette frame for supporting at least one cassette tray, said cassette frame having ribbed exterior surfaces for interfacing with the corrugated interior of the enclosed structure; at least one cassette tray supported in said cassette frame; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means for securing said cassette frame in the enclosed structure, said internal locking means including an opening in at least one of said ribbed exterior surfaces for receiving the security system; and external locking means for securing said bin in said cassette frame.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
28 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 51, wherein said internal locking means includes engagable means on said cassette tray engagable through the opening in said ribbed exterior surface.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 52, wherein said engagable means forms a notched portion on a lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
33 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 53, wherein said internal locking means further includes a front lip on said cassette tray, wherein said bin must be lifted over said lip when being withdrawn.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 53, wherein the notched portion is formed in a channel on said lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
35 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 51, wherein said external locking means includes a locking rod slidably mounted in said cassette frame; and actuation means for actuating said locking rod to engage said cassette tray.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
19 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 56, wherein said cassette tray includes a latch for engaging said locking rod.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
47 words
A cassette assembly according to claim 57, wherein said locking rod includes a tooth and said latch includes an abutting face for abutting said tooth and an angled face for sliding over said tooth, with said latch being biased when said angled face slides over said tooth.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
178 words
A cart, comprising: an enclosed structure comprised of a plurality of support posts, at least two side walls supported between said support posts, each side wall have a corrugated interior surface, a bottom platform supporting said support posts and said side walls and a top platform fitting over said support posts and said side walls; locking means for securing said enclosed structure; and a cassette assembly removably supported in said enclosed structure, said cassette assembly comprising: frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray, said frame means including side panels with a corrugated interior and ribbed outer surfaces, with said ribbed outer surfaces engaging with said corrugated interior surface of said side walls; at least one cassette tray supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means for securing said cassette frame in said enclosed structure, said internal locking means including an opening in at least one of said ribbed outer surfaces for receiving said locking means; and external locking means for securing said bins within said frame means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
178 words
A cart, comprising: an enclosed structure comprised of a plurality of support posts, at least two side walls supported between said support posts, each side wall have a corrugated interior surface, a bottom platform supporting said support posts and said side walls and a top platform fitting over said support posts and said side walls; locking means for securing said enclosed structure; and a cassette assembly removably supported in said enclosed structure, said cassette assembly comprising: frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray, said frame means including side panels with a corrugated interior and ribbed outer surfaces, with said ribbed outer surfaces engaging with said corrugated interior surface of said side walls; at least one cassette tray supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means for securing said cassette frame in said enclosed structure, said internal locking means including an opening in at least one of said ribbed outer surfaces for receiving said locking means; and external locking means for securing said bins within said frame means.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
27 words
A cart according to claim 59, wherein said internal locking means includes engagable means on said cassette tray engagable through the opening in said ribbed outer surface.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
22 words
A cart according to claim 60, wherein said engagable means forms a notched portion on a lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cart according to claim 61, wherein the notched portion is formed in a channel on said lateral side of said cassette tray.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
32 words
A cart according to claim 61, wherein said internal locking means further includes a front lip on said cassette tray, wherein said bin must be lifted over said lip when being withdrawn.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
41 words
A cart according to claim 61, wherein said locking means includes a locking finger actuable within the opening in said ribbed outer surface of said internal locking means in a locked position and out of the opening in an unlocked position.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
22 words
A cart according to claim 64, wherein said locking finger in the locked position engages the notched portion on said cassette tray.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
32 words
A cart according to claim 65, wherein said locking finger includes a flat face for abutting said cassette tray and an angled face for allowing said cassette tray to slide relative thereto.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
59 words
A cart according to claim 59, wherein said external locking means includes a locking rod slidably disposed in said frame means and actuating means in operable engagement with said locking rod and also disposed in said frame means, said locking rod engaging said cassette tray in a locked position to prevent it from being withdrawn from said frame means.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cart according to claim 58, wherein said locking rod includes a tooth and said cassette tray includes a latch for engaging said tooth.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
30 words
A cart according to claim 68, wherein said latch includes an abutting face for abutting said tooth and an angled face for sliding over said tooth and biasing said latch.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
71 words
A cassette assembly, comprising: frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray; a cassette tray slidably supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means securing said cassette frame in an enclosed structure, said internal locking means including an opening in said frame means for receiving an external security system; and external locking means for locking said bin in said frame means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
71 words
A cassette assembly, comprising: frame means for supporting at least one cassette tray; a cassette tray slidably supported in said frame means; at least one bin received in said cassette tray; internal locking means securing said cassette frame in an enclosed structure, said internal locking means including an opening in said frame means for receiving an external security system; and external locking means for locking said bin in said frame means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-10-06 | 2001-04-07 | 2001-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-10-06 | 2005-04-07 | 2005-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-10-06 | 2009-04-07 | 2009-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |