US20030201697A1 - Storage device for health care facility - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage device (100′) is provided for controlling access to medical items. The storage device (100′) has a drawer (104′) with a plurality of rows (115′), and a cover (200′) over each row (115′) of the drawer (104′) to secure the medical items in the bins (116′) located in the individual rows (115′) of the drawer (104′). The storage device (104′) has an unlocking member (208′) that is moveable between a first position and a second position to engage a specific cover (200′) of the drawer (104′) and thereby allow one of the covers (200′) to be opened when the drawer (104′) is opened. A sensor (130′) detects the position of the drawer (104′) and, when access to the contents of a particular bin (116′) is authorized, a control mechanism (117′) disengages until the specific bin (116′) is exposed, as determined by the sensor (130′).

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/160,564, filed May 31, 2002, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.[0001]
• The present application also incorporates by reference the following applications: U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/377,027 filed Apr. 30, 2002; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/376,625 filed Apr. 30, 2002; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/376,655 filed Apr. 30, 2002; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/135,180 filed Apr. 30, 2002; and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/059,929 filed Jan. 29, 2002.[0002]
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates generally to a device for storing and dispensing medical items, and more specifically to a storage device providing controlled access to the medical items.[0003]
BACKGROUND PRIOR ART
• Hospitals and other health care facilities commonly use locked cabinets to store and dispense medications and other medical items. Locked cabinets can provide efficient and accessible storage of medications and other medical items by using different shelves for storage of the different medical items. Additionally, locked drawers also prevent unauthorized access to the medications and other medical items. Such measures, while unfortunate, are typically provided in order to prevent theft of the medical items, particularly narcotics and other controlled substances. Sometimes, medication cabinets incorporate a computer or microprocessor to selectively provide access to a particular drawer in response to an input requesting a specific medication.[0004]
• Nevertheless, narcotics and other controlled substances require even a greater degree of access control. One approach to providing this control involves incorporating individually lockable bins in drawers containing narcotics or other controlled substances. This solution, however, presents a choice between storing a unit dose in each individually lockable bin, incurring considerable cost, or storing multiple doses in an individually lockable bin, affording reduced security.[0005]
• One approach to medication control is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,819, (issued to William K. Holmes and David R. Williams). The '819 patent discloses a device wherein the unit includes an engine and dispensing drawer operably connected in end-to-end fashion with a lead screw type of mechanism. The engine comprises a motor for retracting the drawer and a complex engagement mechanism designed to engage cross-pieces disposed at intervals beneath the drawer. This approach, however has several potential disadvantages. First, the engine uses a substantial portion of the drawer depth, thereby reducing storage density, increasing the number of drawers required for a given quantity of medication, and increasing cost. Second, the numerous mechanical and electrical components of the engine and engagement mechanism also provide increased cost. Finally, the engagement mechanism is normally disengaged so that a power failure during operation could enable access to the entire drawer.[0006]
• Further, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,961,036, 5,957,372 and 6,073,834, commonly assigned to Diebold, Inc., disclose an apparatus and method for accepting return of unused medical items. The apparatus includes a return drawer and a retrieve drawer which are opened responsive to signals received from a display terminal networked with a computer. The return drawer includes a pocket that is accessible from outside of the housing when the return drawer is moved to an open position. The pocket includes an opening and is closed by a trap door when the return drawer is in the open position. Medical items to be returned are placed in the pocket and the return drawer is closed. Upon the closing of the return drawer the trap door is moved to an open position by an actuator. The return medical item passes from the pocket to a retrieve area in the retrieve drawer. Medical items are stored in the retrieve area until the retrieve drawer is controlled responsive to the input of data at the display terminal. Such a device, however, is expensive to manufacture and complicated to operate.[0007]
• Accordingly, an inexpensive and reliable drawer operating system that provides graduated access to a drawer so that items stored in the drawer may be extracted from the front of the drawer and access given to more rearward portions of the drawer only after inventories have been depleted is desired. Additionally, an inexpensive and reliable return system that allows users to deposit unused medical items, including medications such as narcotics, for safe return to authorized personnel, such as a pharmacist, is desired. Thus, the present invention is provided.[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides a device for controlling access to medications and other medical items in various compartments of the drawer. One embodiment of the device comprises a ratcheting drawer and a latching mechanism. Generally, one or more ratcheting drawers are provided in modules which are placed in a cabinet. One type of cabinet is a moveable medication depot. The ratcheting drawer, or one or more modules containing a plurality of ratcheting drawers, is fitted within the cabinet.[0009]
• According to one aspect of the present invention, the ratcheting drawer has a ratcheting member that is connected to the drawer. The ratcheting member may include a series of one-directional teeth affixed to the ratcheting drawer. The ratcheting member is engaged by the latching mechanism for controlled access to the ratcheting drawer.[0010]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the latching mechanism is removably connected to the cabinet, or to the module connected to the cabinet. Additionally, the latching mechanism may also be a component of the drawer. The latching mechanism is configured to engage the ratcheting drawer at any of a plurality of positions to prevent the drawer from being opened beyond a specific position, while still allowing the drawer to be closed at any time. The latching mechanism may include a solenoid that receives a signal from a controller for engagement/disengagement with the ratcheting member. In one embodiment, the latching mechanism is adapted to engage one of the one-directional teeth to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer, while still allow closing of the drawer when engaged.[0011]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a controller is provided. The controller is operatively connected to the latching mechanism. The controller controls engagement of the ratcheting member by the latching mechanism. Additionally, the controller may receive signals from a computer as to which drawer to open, as well as how far to open each drawer to access a specific bin.[0012]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a sensor is provided. The sensor is operatively connected to the latching mechanism. The sensor senses the position of the drawer and sends a signal to the controller of the position of the ratcheting drawer. In one embodiment, the ratcheting drawer has markings thereon which are sensed by the sensor as the drawer moved in and out. The sensors may be fixedly mounted to the framework of the depot, to read the markings and to determine the absolute position of the ratcheting drawer.[0013]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the ratcheting drawer is divided into a plurality of bins adapted to hold the medical items. Generally, the bins are disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened. In one embodiment, the controller receives authorization for access to the medical items in the depot. The controller may determine which drawer and which bin to access. The controller also tracks which bins have been accessed and the position of the ratcheting drawer. Based on certain information, the controller typically allows access to the first bin of the ratcheting drawer containing one of the medical items, as opposed to the empty bins in front of that bin.[0014]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the latching mechanism is normally engaged with one of the series of one-directional teeth to prevent the ratcheting drawer from opening beyond its current position. Upon receipt of a signal, the controller disengages the latching mechanism until the ratcheting drawer is positioned to expose the bin authorized for access. When the sensor reads the marking that indicates that the ratcheting drawer is appropriately positioned (i.e., the authorized bin is exposed), the controller allows the latching mechanism to re-engage to prevent further withdrawal of the ratcheting drawer.[0015]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the particular bin authorized for access may be determined by a processing unit included in a cabinet or depot. Alternatively, a processing unit may be configured to authorize opening of a particular ratcheting drawer, and the ratcheting drawer assembly may comprise a controller which tracks the bins that were previously accessed and allows access to the next sequential bin.[0016]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the ratcheting drawer is mounted in a module that is removably secured in the cabinet. Further a plurality of ratcheting drawers may be mounted in the module. The module is adapted to be removably inserted within a cabinet so that a variety of modules having various drawer configurations may be inserted in the cabinet.[0017]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a motorless device for controlling access to one or more medical items is provided. The motorless device comprises at least one ratcheting drawer with a plurality of bins adapted to hold medical items and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened, a sensor for determining a current position of the ratcheting drawer relative to the plurality bins, and a latching mechanism configured to engage the ratcheting drawer at any of a plurality of positions to prevent the drawer from opening beyond the current position while allowing the drawer to be closed. Further, a ratcheting mechanism is operatively connected to the drawer, and the ratcheting mechanism is selectively engaged by the latching mechanism.[0018]
• According to another embodiment, one of the drawers is a return drawer. The controller obtains a signal that a medical item is to be returned, the controller provides a signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the next empty bin in the series of bins for placement of a medical item to be returned therein. After the medical item to be returned is placed in the next empty bin, the bin is returned to an unexposed position. Further, the controller does not allow exposure of the contents of that bin until the controller receives a signal by an authorized user.[0019]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a storage device for controlling access to returned medical items in a medical facility is provided. The storage device comprises a housing having a return bin secured in the interior of the housing. The return bin has a cavity with an opening, and the return bin is movable to a plurality of positions. The housing has a first aperture that mates with the opening in the return bin when the return bin is positioned in a first position. The housing also has a cover which overlays the first aperture in the housing to provide controlled access to the cavity of the return bin inside the housing. An actuator is provided and connected to the return bin. The actuator manipulates movement of the return bin. A controller electrically connected to the actuator provides the actuator with a signal for manipulating the return bin between the first and second positions. Additionally, the housing has a second aperture providing access to the interior of the housing. A locking door covers the second aperture to control access to the interior of the housing through the second aperture.[0020]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for securing access to medical items in a container is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a drawer having a unidirectional ratcheting member, providing a latching mechanism, providing a controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism, and sending a signal from the controller to the latching mechanism to manipulate the latching mechanism for controlling engagement of the latching mechanism with the ratcheting member. Additionally, a sensor may be provided and be operatively connected to the controller. The sensor senses a position of the drawer, and sends a signal from the sensor to the controller of the position of the drawer.[0021]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of returning a medical item to the storage device is provided. The method comprises providing a housing having an interior and a return bin in the housing. The housing has a cover which is opened. When the cover is opened, the a cavity in the return bin is accessible through a first aperture in the housing. The medical items to be returned are then deposited within the cavity of the return bin, and the cover is closed. When the cover is closed an actuator manipulates the return bin from a first position to a second position when the cover is closed, to expel the contents of the items from the cavity into the interior of the housing. The contents in the interior of the housing can then be removed through a locking door.[0022]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a drawer is provided having a plurality of rows that are separated into a plurality of bins. A control mechanism engages the drawer and allows the drawer to be positioned between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position. The control mechanism also allows the drawer to be positioned at progressively opened drawer positions between the open drawer position and the closed drawer position.[0023]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, separate covers are provided for a plurality of the rows of the drawer. The covers are moveable from an open cover position to a closed cover position, including progressively opened cover positions therebetween. The moveable cover assists in providing controlled access to individual rows of the drawer and to the bins in each respective row. In one embodiment the covers are connected to the drawer in sliding engagement to sequentially expose the bins of the rows.[0024]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a latch is mounted to the drawer. Further, separate latches may be provided for each cover. Generally, one latch engages one of the covers in the closed cover position to prevent the cover from being opened in the closed cover position. Additionally, the latch is moveable to an open latch position to allow opening of the cover when required.[0025]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, an unlocking member having a tab is provided for the drawer. The unlocking member is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the second position the tab of the unlocking member disengages the latch from the cover, and the tab engages the cover allowing the cover to be moved into the open cover position when the drawer is opened. As such, when the tab of the unlocking member engages the cover, the cover is prevented from movement with the drawer.[0026]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a second drawer is fitted within the cabinet. The second drawer has a plurality of rows that are separated into a plurality of bins, and a separate control mechanism engaging the second drawer. The control mechanism for the second drawer provides independent positioning of the second drawer between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position, as well as progressively opened drawer positions therebetween. Similar to one embodiment of the first drawer, the second drawer may also have individual covers for a plurality of the rows of the second drawer. These covers are moveable from an open cover position to a closed cover position, and including progressively opened cover positions therebetween. Unlocking and opening of the cover of the second drawer allows controlled access to the bins of the second drawer. The second drawer may also have a latch mounted to the second drawer to engage one of the covers of the second drawer in the closed cover position, thereby preventing the cover from being opened in the closed cover position. This latch is moveable to an open latch position to allow opening of the cover. When a second drawer is utilized, the unlocking member may have a second tab that disengages the latch from the cover of the second drawer when the unlocking member is in the second position.[0027]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the storage device for controlling access to medical items has a drawer, a drawer control mechanism, and a cover that slidingly engages the drawer and is moveable between an open cover position and a locked closed cover position, including progressively opened cover positions therebetween. The drawer has a plurality of dividers extending about a width of the drawer and separating the drawer into a plurality of bins. The drawer control mechanism engages the drawer and is adapted to provide positioning of the drawer between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position, including progressively opened drawer positions therebetween.[0028]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the rows have individual covers and each cover has a latch associated therewith. The latches engage their respective cover to prevent the cover from being opened in the closed cover position. The latches, however, are moveable to an open latch position to allow opening of the cover. Additionally, each row may have an unlocking member.[0029]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the storage device has a second drawer adjacent a first drawer. The second drawer has a cover and a latch mounted to the second drawer and engaging the its cover to prevent the cover from being opened in the closed cover position. An unlocking member having a first tab and a second tab is provided. The unlocking member is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the second position the first tab of the unlocking member disengages the latch from the cover of the first drawer and the second tab of the unlocking member disengages the latch from the cover of the second drawer. Similarly, in the second position the first tab engages the cover of the first drawer and the second tab engages the cover of the second drawer allowing the cover of one of the first drawer or the second drawer to be moved into the open cover position when one of the first drawer or the second drawer is opened.[0030]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the storage device has a first drawer having a cover that is secured to the first drawer in the closed cover position, a second drawer having a cover that is secured to the second drawer in the closed cover position, and an unlocking member having a first tab and a second tab. The unlocking member is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the unlocking member does not engage either of the covers, and in the second position the first tab of the unlocking member engages the cover of the first drawer and the second tab of the unlocking member engages the cover of the second drawer to allow the cover of one of the first or second drawer to be opened when one of the first or second drawers, respectively, is opened.[0031]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the storage device further has a first control mechanism engaging the first drawer and providing positioning of the first drawer between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position, including progressively opened drawer positions, and a second control mechanism engaging the second drawer and providing positioning of the second drawer between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position, also including progressively opened drawer positions. However, only one of the first and second control mechanisms is operable at one time to open one of the first or second drawers, thereby maintaining the other of the first or second drawers in the closed drawer position at that time.[0032]
• According to another aspect of the present invention, the storage device has a cabinet, a drawer slidably retained in the cabinet, the drawer having a plurality of rows that extend from a front portion of the drawer to a rear portion of the drawer, and a control mechanism located between two of the plurality of rows in the drawer.[0033]
• Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.[0034]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:[0035]
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medication depot having a ratcheting drawer and a return storage system of the present invention;[0036]
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a module of ratcheting drawers of the present invention;[0037]
• FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one ratcheting drawer of the present invention;[0038]
• FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of one ratcheting drawer of the present invention;[0039]
• FIG. 5 is a partial top view of the framework of the ratcheting drawer assembly of FIG. 1, with one ratcheting drawer removed;[0040]
• FIG. 6A is a partial cut-away side elevation view of FIG. 5;[0041]
• FIG. 6B is top plan view of FIG. 6[0042]a;
• FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the latch mechanism of FIG. 5;[0043]
• FIG. 8A is a partial cut-away side elevation view of the return storage system of FIG. 1;[0044]
• FIG. 8B is a partial cut-away side elevation view of the return storage system of FIG. 1;[0045]
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the storage device of the present invention;[0046]
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a drawer assembly of the storage device of the present invention;[0047]
• FIG. 11 is a partial cut-away perspective view of the drawer assembly of FIG. 10, with the covers in the closed cover position;[0048]
• FIG. 12 is a partial cut-away perspective view of the drawer assembly of FIG. 10, with one of the latches in an open position;[0049]
• FIG. 13 is a partial cut-away perspective view of the drawer assembly of FIG. 10, with the drawer in a partial open drawer position and with one of the covers in a partial open cover position;[0050]
• FIG. 14 is another partial cut-away perspective view of the drawer assembly of FIG. 13; and,[0051]
• FIG. 15 is a partial cut-away perspective view of the control mechanism of the storage device of the present invention.[0052]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosures are to be considered as exemplifications of the principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.[0053]
• Referring now in detail to the Figures, and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown a storage device in the form of a medical item/medication cabinet or[0054]depot100 for storing and dispensing medical items, such as medications, and for controlling and monitoring access to the medical items in thedepot100. Themedication depot100 may havewheels101, and thus be moveable by a nurse or other clinician. Themedication depot100 has a frame that includes one or more apertures configured to accommodatedrawer assemblies102. Thedrawer assemblies102 include adrawer104 for storing and dispensing medical items. Thedrawer assemblies102 may also include aframework134. Thedrawers104 may be provided as individual drawers of varying sizes. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, thedrawers104 may be provided as interchangeablemodular units108, having a plurality ofdrawers104, that are inserted into thecabinet100. Thedrawers104 may be lockable. As described herein, any of thedrawers104 may also be of the ratcheting type to control access to theindividual drawers104, and to control access to various portions of each drawer.
• As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the[0055]medication depot100 has an interchangeablemodular unit108. The interchangeablemodular unit108 comprises an array of ratcheting drawers104 (i.e., five drawers wide and four drawers high, however, it is understood that themodule108 can be of a variety of sizes to hold a variety of drawers104). Themodular unit108 is a retrofittable unit that may be inserted into a modular opening in thecabinet100.Drawers104 of varying sizes may be provided in themodules108, anddifferent module units108 may be interchangeably installed in the same opening of thecabinet100. Thus, by combiningdrawer modules108 with different types ofdrawers104, amedication depot100 may be assembled to provide a desired quantity of various size and various access-controllable drawers. For example, in themedication depot100 of FIG. 1, onemodule108 of ratchetingdrawers104 is combined withstandard locking drawers104 located below themodule unit108.
• As shown in FIG. 2, the[0056]modular unit108 is illustrated in a retracted position (i.e., prior to insertion or during removal of the modular unit108), however, in FIG. 1 themodular unit108 is shown in its fully seated position in thecabinet100. Themodular unit108 hasslides110, which are on the side of the modular unit in the embodiment illustrated. Theslides110 engage amating member112 of thecabinet100. As such, themodular unit108 is easily insertable and removable from thecabinet100.
• FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one of the ratcheting[0057]drawers104 of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of theratcheting drawer104, and FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of theratcheting drawer104. As shown in these figures, theratcheting drawer104 has a height (H), width (W) and depth (D). Theratcheting drawer104 may further have a plurality ofdividers114 which divide thedrawers104 intoseparate bins116 for storage of the medical items, including medications and controlled medications such as narcotics. Thedividers114 allow thebins116 to become exposed sequentially as thedrawer104 is opened. Eachbin116 is preferably configured to hold an individual item, and with respect to medication, eachbin116 is preferably configured to hold a unit dose of the medication. The size ofbins116 can be adjusted by repositioning thedividers114 which are adapted to be adjustably positioned in thedrawer104.
• The[0058]ratcheting drawer104 has a ratchetingmember118. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment the ratchetingmember118 is a unidirectional member having a plurality ofteeth120. The term unidirectional identifies that in one direction the ratchetingmember118 does not prevent movement (i.e., thedrawer104 may be pushed back into thecabinet100 at any time), while in a second direction the ratchetingmember118 may prevent movement if so engaged (i.e., thelatching mechanism122 may engage the ratchetingmember118 to stop thedrawer104 from further outward movement).
• As shown in FIG. 4, the ratcheting[0059]member118 is a linear ratcheting gear, however, it is understood that other mechanical and electrical configurations are interchangeable for thelinear ratcheting gear118. Thelinear ratcheting gear118 comprises a series of one-directional or one-way teeth120. Thelinear ratcheting gear118 having the one-directional teeth120 is disposed on thedrawer104 such that the assembly resists extension of the drawer104 (movement from back to front) when engaged, but yet still allows retraction of the drawer104 (movement of the drawer from front to back) when engaged.
• The ratcheting[0060]member118 may be formed in a “U” shape as shown in FIG. 3. In the embodiment illustrated, the ratchetingmember118 is disposed on the bottom surface of ratchetingdrawer104, and is affixed to ratchetingdrawer104 with the use of screws, rivets, welding, brazing, or other attachment means known in the art.
• The[0061]ratcheting drawer104 further has a first mating member124 to physically support theratcheting drawer104 and to assist theratcheting drawer104 to be slidingly opened and closed. The first mating member engages asecond mating member126 for guiding and supporting thedrawer104 as thedrawer104 is extended and retracted. Typically, thesecond mating member126 is fixedly mounted within themedication depot100 by being affixed to either theframework134 of thedrawer assembly102, the framework of themodular unit108, or themedication cabinet100 itself. In the embodiment illustrated, thesecond mating member126 is affixed to theframework134 of thedrawer assembly102, however, it may also be affixed to either thecabinet102 or themodular unit108. Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated, the first mating member124 is centrally disposed on the bottom surface of theratcheting drawer104 adjacent the ratchetingmember118. Further, in the embodiment illustrated the first mating member124 comprises a channel or rail and the second mating member124 comprises a slide member (it is understood that these components may be reversed). The first mating member124 freely and slidingly engages thesecond mating member126 for providing sliding movement of thedrawer104. It should be understood that while the first and second mating members are illustrated and described as a rail and slide engagement mechanism in the figures, other mating configurations known in the art are contemplated and are within the scope of the present invention.
• As best shown in FIG. 4, the[0062]ratcheting drawer104 also hasmarkings128 thereon. Typically, themarkings128 are located on the bottom of thedrawer104 opposing the ratchetingmember118, however themarkings128 may also be placed at other locations. Themarkings128 are configured to provide data to asensor130 for determining the position of thedrawer104. Further, themarkings128 may indicate the currentlyaccessible bin116. In the disclosed embodiment, themarkings128 comprise binary marking stickers (i.e., stickers where each of a series of positions is either light or dark to provide a binary data word), however, other markings or types of indicators are understood by those in the art. Themarkings128 extend about the entire depth (D) of thedrawer104 to provide positioning information about the entire depth (D) of thedrawer104.
• As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the[0063]sensor130 is provided for determining the position of thedrawer104. Thesensor130 may be an optical sensor, such as a binary optical sensor, or it may be any other type of sensor know in the art. Thesensor130 is positioned to read themarkings128 disposed on theratcheting drawer104. As theratcheting drawer104 is extended and retracted, themarkings128 are sensed and sequentially read bysensor130. Thesensor130 then transmits data or other signals to acontroller132, or to a central processing unit that controls thecontroller132, corresponding to the sensed information from themarkings128, and indicative of the position of thedrawer104. Typically, thesensor130 is affixed to either theframework134 of thedrawer assembly102, the framework of themodular unit108, or themedication cabinet100 itself. In the specific embodiment illustrated, thesensor130 is affixed to theframework134 of thedrawer assembly102. Thesensor130 remains stationary as theratcheting drawer104 is extended and retracted. Affixing the electronic components in a stationary position enhances the reliability of the system.
• The[0064]markings128 for thedrawer104 are calibrated to allowcontroller132 to properly control access to theratcheting drawer104. Typically, calibration is conducted by calibrating themarkings128 to the one-directional ratcheting member118 and to thebins116. This calibration may be consummated by physical alignment of themarkings128 with the one-directional ratcheting member118 and thebins116, by software embedded incontroller132, or by a combination thereof.
• As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the[0065]drawer assembly102 for the ratchetingdrawers104 also includes alatching mechanism122. Thelatching mechanism122 controllably engages the ratchetingmember118. Typically, thelatching mechanism122 is affixed to either theframework134 of thedrawer assembly102, the framework of themodular unit108, or themedication cabinet100 itself. In the specific embodiment illustrated, thelatching mechanism122 is affixed to theframework134 of thedrawer assembly102. As such, thelatching mechanism122 remains stationary as theratcheting drawer104 is extended and retracted. Generally, when the ratchetingdrawers104 are separate from amodular unit108, thelatching mechanism122 is a component of the assembly of the ratchetingdrawers104. Additionally, when the ratchetingdrawers104 are part of themodular unit108, thelatching mechanism122 is also a component of theassembly102 of the ratchetingdrawers104, however, in this configuration the latchingassembly122 is also a component of themodule unit108.
• As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, one embodiment the[0066]latching mechanism122 comprises asolenoid136 having an engagingmember138. Thesolenoid136 is operatively connected to thecontroller132. The engagingmember138 operatively engages the ratchetingmember118 to prevent outward movement of thedrawer104. Thelatching mechanism122 is normally engaged withlinear ratcheting gear118. Accordingly, when engagingmember138 of thelatching mechanism122 is engaged withlinear ratcheting gear118, theratcheting drawer104 is prevented from being further extended. When the engagingmember138 of thelatching mechanism122 is released from thelinear ratcheting gear118, however, an authorized operator, such as a nurse, may extend theratcheting drawer104 until the authorized one of thebins116 is exposed. Typically, when thelatching mechanism122 releases adrawer104, the drawer can be extended only onebin116 length. At that point, thesensor130 senses the position of thedrawer104 and thecontroller132 transmits a signal to thelatching mechanism122 to engage thelinear ratcheting gear118 so that thedrawer104 cannot be extended further to prevent access toadditional bins116, if so required. Theratcheting drawer104, however, may be closed while thelatching mechanism122 is engaged with theratcheting mechanism118. As such, thecontroller132 controls engagement of the ratchetingmember118 by thelatching mechanism122. And, the present invention provides access to a first full one of the bins upon each successive authorization, whereupon the medical item in the one of the bins is withdrawn by the medication depot operator, and the next one of the bins becomes the first full one of the bins.
• As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an[0067]ejection mechanism140 is provided in theratcheting drawer assembly102. In the embodiment illustrated, theejection mechanism140 is affixed to theframework134, however it may also be affixed to other stationary items such as themodular unit108 or thecabinet100. Theejection mechanism140 may comprise, for example, aspring142 and apusher146, whereby thespring142 applies a force to thepusher146 relative to a fixed point of themedication depot100 structural framework. As such, when thedrawer104 is in the fully closed position and thecontroller132 sends a signal to thelatching mechanism122 to disengage the ratchetingmember118 to open the drawer, theejection mechanism140 provides an initial force to slide thedrawer104 to a slightly open position, providing a visual indication of the correct drawer to be accessed for authorized removal of the medical item.
• The[0068]controller132 is configured to receive an authorization signal from either a central computer or processor (not shown) or a local computer orprocessor148. The signal may be, for example, a data signal corresponding to a specific one of the bins (210 in FIG. 2) that a user, such as a nurse, is authorized to access. Typically, thecontroller132 includes a printed circuit board and has software or controls which receives data, interprets data and performs routines with the data to develop output, and it also transmits the output. Further, thecontroller132 may store data and/or output. The signal may also correspond to aparticular ratcheting drawer104, all of whose bins hold unit doses of one particular medication, or a particular medication stored in one or more ratcheting drawers. Thecontroller132 may be hardwired to the central computer and/orlocal processor148. In one embodiment thecontroller132 receives a remote signal, typically via a radio frequency (RF) signal from the central processor. With remote use, thecabinet100 generally has a transmitter/receiver (not shown) which can receive and transmit RF and other type signals with the central processor. In one embodiment thecontroller132 is a separate unit from thelocal processor148. In another embodiment, thecontroller132 and thelocal processor148 are integral as in FIG. 1.
• When the authorization signal corresponds to a particular drawer or medication, the[0069]controller132 may be configured to track whichbins116 of theratcheting drawer104 or ratchetingdrawers104 have been accessed. As explained above, the authorization signal may be provided, for example, by the central processor. Additionally, the authorization signal may be provided by a local computer orprocessor148. Typically, the central processor controls both thelocal processor148 and thecontroller132. Both the central processor unit and thelocal processor unit148 interfaces with data files of the medical center and pharmacy. Patient or medication data can be entered into the system at any location, including at thelocal processing unit148 via an interface, such as a scanner150 (e.g., by scanning a patient identification strap) or a keyboard152 (e.g., by entering a patient identification code or a medication code). Thelocal processing unit148 receives the patient or medication data, verifies access authorization (e.g., by matching a prescription file with patient identification data, and matching a personnel identification with a medication control level) and provides a control signal that unlocks a particular one ofdrawers104 for which access has been authorized.
• As explained above, the[0070]controller132 is electrically connected to and configured to receive a signal from thesensor130 indicating the position of theratcheting drawer104. Further, thecontroller132 tracks which bins have been accessed and the position of theratcheting drawer104. As such, thecontroller132 typically only allows access to thefirst bin116 of theratcheting drawer104 containing one of the medical items. When thecontroller132 receives a certain authorization signal, it energizes thesolenoid136, releasing the engagingmember138 of thelatching mechanism122. Thelatching mechanism122 is normally engaged withlinear ratcheting gear118 attached to thedrawer104. Accordingly, when latchingmechanism122 is engaged withlinear ratcheting gear118, it prevents theratcheting drawer104 from being further extended. When latchingmechanism122 releases theratcheting gear118, however, an authorized operator, such as a nurse, pulling on thedrawer104 may extend theratcheting drawer104 from thecabinet100. Further, when thelatching mechanism122 releases theratcheting gear118 in the fully closed position the spring mechanism above provides an initial force to at least partially open thedrawer104. Then, when theratcheting drawer104 approaches a position exposing the authorizedbin116, as indicated bysensor130 reading themarkings128,controller132 de-energizes solenoid136, andlatching mechanism122 re-engages theratcheting mechanism118 to prevent thedrawer104 from being opened further.
• In the embodiment illustrated, all electronic components of the ratcheting drawer assembly[0071]102 (i.e.,sensor130,controller132, and solenoid136) are affixed to some framework and remain stationary as theratcheting drawer104 is extended and retracted. Affixing the electronic components in a stationary position will enhance the reliability of the system in comparison to devices that incorporate moving electronic components. As shown in FIG. 6, thelatching mechanism122 and thesensor130 are positioned generally below the top ofsecond mating member126. Thesensor130 and the components of thelatching mechanism122 have a height such that they can be positioned below theratcheting drawer104 and still leave sufficient height for thebins116 of theratcheting drawer104 to contain medical items. Therefore, essentially the full depth D of the drawer may comprisestorage bins116. Using the full depth of thedrawer104 for storage increases the number ofbins116 that are provided in adrawer104 of a given depth, and increases storage density which is an important attribute of medication depots.
• FIGS. 5 and 7 show[0072]alternative latching mechanisms122, respectively accommodating different orientations ofsolenoid136. In FIG. 5, thesolenoid136 is oriented to provide displacement of the engagingmember138. Thesolenoid136 is positioned parallel to linear ratcheting gear118 (i.e., parallel to the direction of sliding motion of the ratcheting drawer). The engagingmember138 in FIG. 5 is connected to thesolenoid136 through a pivotinglinkage154 which translates the motion approximately 90°. A biasing member (not shown) in the form of a spring may also be provided to maintain the engagingmember138 in contact with the ratchetingmember118 when thesolenoid136 is not energized. As such, the ratcheting member is normally engaged by the latching mechanism to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer beyond the current position. Then, when the controller obtains authorization for access to the one or more medical items stored in aparticular bin116 thecontroller132 provides a signal to thelatching mechanism122 to disengage the ratchetingmember118 to expose theparticular bin116 of theparticular drawer104.
• In FIG. 7,[0073]solenoid136 is oriented to provide displacement of an engagingmember138 directly away fromlinear ratcheting gear118 when thesolenoid136 is positioned perpendicular to the direction of sliding motion of ratcheting drawer (i.e., perpendicular to the linear ratcheting gear118). The one-directional teeth120 oflinear ratcheting gear118 have anengaging face119 perpendicular to the direction of sliding motion of ratchetingdrawer104 and a slidingface121 at a small angle to the to the direction of sliding motion of ratchetingdrawer104 to provide a mechanical advantage that allows the ratcheting drawer to be easily retracted. In the latching mechanisms illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the engagingmember138 is disposed to engage theengaging face119 of one of the one-directional teeth120 when thesolenoid136 is de-energized. When solenoid136 is energized theplunger137 of thesolenoid136 withdrawals the engagingmember138 fromlinear ratcheting gear118, allowing theratcheting drawer104 to slide open. The engagingmember138 may be a rotating wheel to provide minimal resistance to closing the ratcheting drawer by rolling on the slidingface121.
• Further, one of the[0074]drawers104 may be a return drawer. A return drawer is an empty drawer where medical items may be returned to the system, as opposed to containing a medical item for disbursement thereof. Typically, the control of return drawer system operates in the reverse manner as the standard distribution drawer. As such, when thecontroller132 obtains a signal that a medical item is to be returned, thecontroller132 provides a signal to thelatching mechanism122 to disengage the ratchetingmember118 to expose the nextempty bin116 in series adjacent the front of thedrawer104 for placement of a medical item to be returned therein. After the medical item to be returned is placed in the nextempty bin116, the bin is returned to an unexposed position, i.e. the bin and/or the drawer is closed, and thecontroller132 does not allow exposure of the contents of thatbin116 until the controller receives a signal by an authorized user. The user may then provide a command to the system indicating that the specific medical item has been returned.
• As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8[0075]a-8b,areturn storage device160 is provided for controlling access to returned medical items in a medical facility. Thereturn storage device160 may be connected to the medical cart or some other fixture, or it may be a separate, stand-alone component. Thereturn storage device160 generally includes ahousing162 and areturn bin164. Thehousing162 has an interior166, afirst aperture168, and asecond aperture170. Typically, thefirst aperture168 is located on a top or upper portion of thehousing162, and thesecond aperture170 is located toward a bottom or lower portion of thehousing162, well below thefirst aperture168. Thefirst aperture168 has acover172 which is operated by a solenoid (not shown) to provide controlled access to the interior of thehousing162. Thesecond aperture170 has a lockingdoor171 covering it to control access to theinterior166 of thehousing162. In one embodiment, access to unlock the lockingdoor171 is prevented by thecover172 overlaying the lock of the lockingdoor171.
• The[0076]return bin164 is secured in the interior of thehousing162, and thereturn bin164 has acavity174 with anopening176. In one embodiment, thereturn bin164 is a drum. The return bin is movable in theinterior166 of thehousing162 to a plurality of positions. Two such positions include thefirst position178 and the second position180 (shown in FIGS. 8aand8b). Thereturn bin164 is movable through anactuator182, which may be mechanically driven or may be weight driven. Additionally, thereturn bin164 may be moveable through a weight (not shown). Finally, thereturn bin164 may be moveable through a combination of anactuator164 and a separate weight. In one embodiment, theactuator182 is a linkage controlled with a solenoid (not shown). Theactuator182 and/or the weight (not shown) manipulate movement of thereturn bin164. Typically, all movement of thereturn bin164, including theactuator182, and thecover172 of the housing is controlled by the controller, which may be thesame controller132 for theratcheting drawer104.
• As shown in FIG. 8[0077]athereturn bin164 is shown in thesecond position180. In thesecond position180, and typically in any position other than thefirst position178, anexterior184 of thereturn bin164 mates with thefirst aperture168 in thehousing162 to operatively close the interior of thehousing162. Further, in thesecond position180, with theopening176 of thereturn bin164 facing downward, gravity acts on the contents in thecavity174 to all the contents of the cavity to be expelled into theinterior166 of thehousing162. Thereturn bin164 may have a weight (not shown) to assist or provide movement of thereturn bin164 from thesecond position180 to thefirst position178 such that motors, solenoids, springs, etc. are not required. Theactuator182, however, maintains thereturn bin164 in thesecond position180 when thecover172 of thehousing162 is closed. Further, theactuator182 assists in moving thereturn bin164 from thefirst position178 to thesecond position180 after thecover172 has been closed. In thesecond position180 thecover172 remains locked in the closed position by the solenoid (not shown).
• As shown in FIG. 8[0078]b,thereturn bin164 is shown in thefirst position178. In thefirst position178 theopening176 of thereturn bin164 is positioned in-line or mating with thefirst aperture168 in thehousing162. Typically, thecover172 of the housing only opens with theopening176 of thereturn bin168 mates with thefirst opening176. In this position medical items can be deposited in thecavity174 of thereturn bin164 through theopening176. To position thereturn bin164 in thefirst position178, the weight manipulates movement of thereturn bin164 from thesecond position180, or any other position, to thefirst position178. As explained above, in one embodiment the movement is conducted through rotation of thereturn bin164. Alternatively, theactuator182 may assist or provide movement of thereturn bin164 to thefirst position178. Theactuator182 may be operatively connected to thecover172 such that when thecover172 opens, the weight and/or theactuator182 has manipulated, or is manipulating, thereturn bin164 to have theopening176 in thecavity174 mate with thefirst aperture178 in thehousing162, and such that when thecover174 is closed, theactuator182 manipulates thereturn bin164 to have the exterior184 covering thefirst aperture178 to prevent access to theinterior166 of thehousing162.
• Additionally, a keyed lock (not shown) may be provided to override the controller for opening and closing the cover, especially during malfunction of the system or during a power failure.[0079]
• Another embodiment of the[0080]storage device100′, ormedication depot100′, for storing and dispensing medical items, such as medications, and for controlling and monitoring access to the medical items in the depot is shown in FIG. 9. This embodiment may incorporate any of the features previously described, as well as any features and modifications described below. Further, the modifications described below may be incorporated into thestorage device100 previously described. Additionally, while not illustrated in the figures, thestorage device100′ may include a portable printer, computer, scanner, etc. Thestorage device100′ generally includes a frame103 and a plurality ofdrawer assemblies102′.
• As shown in FIG. 9, the[0081]storage device100′ may havewheels101′, and thus be moveable by a nurse or other clinician. The frame103 of themedication depot100′ includes one or more apertures configured to accommodate thedrawer assemblies102′. Thedrawer assemblies102′ include adrawer104′ for storing and dispensing medical items. Thedrawer assemblies102′ may also include aframework134′, and as shown in FIG. 10, thedrawer assemblies102′ may be provided as interchangeablemodular units108 having a plurality ofdrawers104′ that are inserted into the frame103 of the cabinet as aunit108. Further, thedrawers104′ have a first mating member124′ to physically support thedrawer104′ and to assist theratcheting drawer104′ to be slidingly opened and closed. The first mating member124′ engages asecond mating member126′ for guiding and supporting thedrawer104′ as the drawer is extended and retracted. Thedrawers104′ are typically lockable, and may be of the ratcheting type to control access to theindividual drawers104′ andindividual rows115′ andbins116′ defined in thedrawers104′ (See FIG. 10).
• The[0082]drawer104′ shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 has a height (H′), width (W′) and depth (D′). Additionally, thedrawers104′ have a front, a rear and a bottom. The width (W′) of thedrawer104′ is typically divided into a plurality ofrows115′, withpartitions113′ between therows115′. Generally, therows115′ extend from a front portion of thedrawer104′ to a rear portion of thedrawer104′. Additionally, each of therows115′ typically havedividers114′ which divide therows115′, or thedrawer104′ if the-drawer104′ has only onerow115′, intoseparate bins116′ for storage of the medical items, including medications. Thedividers114′ generally extend about a width of therow115′. Thedividers114′ allow thebins116′ to become exposed sequentially as thedrawer104′ is opened. As described above, each bin116′ is preferably configured to hold an individual item, and with respect to medication, each bin116′ is preferably configured to hold a unit dose of medication. The size of thebins116′ can be adjusted by repositioning thedividers114′ within therow115′ ordrawer104′ as is applicable.
• As shown in FIG. 10, each of the[0083]drawers104′ typically has acontrol mechanism117′ that controls the movement of thedrawer104′. Thecontrol mechanism117′ allows positioning of thedrawer104′ between a closed drawer position107′ (as shown by several of the closedlower drawers104′ in FIG. 9) where thedrawer104′ is fully retracted in the cabinet, and an open position wherein thedrawer104′ is fully extended, as well as any progressively openeddrawer position109′ therebetween (as shown by the progressively opened drawer in FIG. 9). In a preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 10, a portion of thecontrol mechanism117′ is located between two of the plurality ofrows115′ of eachdrawer104′, generally at a central portion of thedrawer104′. In a preferred embodiment, only onecontrol mechanism117′ is provided for eachdrawer104′. Previously, separate control mechanisms were provided for each row. By providing asingle control mechanism117′, and most preferably by providing the control mechanism centrally in the drawer, the same control mechanism may be utilized for a plurality of rows.
• Accordingly, less space for the[0084]control mechanism117′ is required in thedepot100′, thereby allowing additional space for storage of medical items.
• Depending on the complexity of the[0085]depot100′, thecontrol mechanism117′ may be comprised of a variety of mechanical and electrical components. In a preferred embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 15, two of the components configured in thecontrol mechanism117′ are a ratchetingmember118′ and alatching mechanism122′, however it is understood that other components are interchangeable for these members. As previously explained above, one embodiment of the ratchetingmember118′ comprises a unidirectional member or gear having a plurality of one-way teeth120′. In the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 9 through 15, the ratchetingmember118′ is typically a linear gear that is fixed to thedrawer104′ and extends substantially from a front of thedrawer104′ to a rear of thedrawer104′. Additionally, the ratchetingmember118′ is typically disposed about a top of thedrawer104′. The ratchetingmember118′ has atop surface123′ and a bottom surface125′. The gear orteeth portion120′ of the ratchetingmember118′ are found on the bottom surface125′ of the ratchetingmember118′, thereby remaining internal to thedrawer104′. In the embodiment disclosed, the ratchetingmember118′ is connected to rail members127a′,127b′ on either side of the ratchetingmember118′.
• Also as shown in FIG. 15, the[0086]control mechanism117′ comprises alatching mechanism122′. In one embodiment, thelatching mechanism122′ comprises a latching or engagingmember138′, asupport assembly129′, and asolenoid136′. As previously explained, the latching or engagingmember138′ engages the ratchetingmember118′ in a plurality of positions to prevent thedrawer104′ from opening a controlled distance, while still allowing thedrawer104′ to be closed at any time. Thesupport assembly129′ of thelatching mechanism122′ has aU-shaped support member131′ which is generally fixed to a framework, either theframework134′ of the drawer, or of amodular unit108. Additionally, thesupport assembly129′ may be fixed to themedication cabinet100′.Cam members133′ or rollers depend from opposing sides of thesupport member131. Therollers133′ engage aslot135′ in therail members127′ to allow thedrawer104′ to traverse inward and outward of the cabinet in a controlled manner, and to maintain thelatching mechanism122′ is position relative to the ratchetingmember118′. As such, thesupport assembly129′ of thecontrol mechanism117′ remains fixed in place, and thedrawer104′ moves in and out as required with the attachedratcheting gear118.
• The engaging[0087]member138′ is connected to thesolenoid136′ which controls movement of the engagingmember138′. Further, as explained above, thesolenoid136′ is operatively connected to acontroller132 which controls the overall operation of thestorage device100. The latching or engagingmember138′ operatively engages the ratchetingmember118′ to prevent outward movement of thedrawer104′. As shown in FIG. 15, thesolenoid136′ of thelatching mechanism122′ is adapted to position the latchingmember138a′ into a first position (shown in thetop drawer104a′ of FIG. 15) whereby the latchingmember138a′ is disengaged from the ratchetingmember118′ of thedrawer104a′, allowing thedrawer104a′ to be opened until engaged, and a second position (shown in the bottom drawer104b′ of FIG. 15) whereby the latching member138b′ is engaging the ratchetingmember118′ of the drawer104b′ to prevent the drawer104b′ from being opened. The engagingmember138′ is connected to solenoid136′ through a pivotinglinkage154 which translates motion to the engagingmember138′. A biasingmember139′ may be incorporated to maintain the engagingmember138′ in contact with the ratchetingmember118′ when thesolenoid136′ is not energized to prevent thedrawer104′ from being opened. Then, when thecontroller132 obtains authorization for access to open thedrawer104′ to aparticular bin116′, thecontroller132 provides a signal to thesolenoid136′ of thelatching mechanism122′ to energize and disengage the engagingmember138′ from the ratchetingmember118′ to allow thedrawer104′ to be opened a set distance. A detailed explanation of the operation of thecontroller132, as well as thesensor130′ is provided above.
• Accordingly, the latching[0088]member138′ is normally engaged with thelinear ratcheting gear118′, thereby preventing thedrawer104′ from being opened or, if already opened, from being extended to any progressively opened drawer position. When the latchingmember138′ is released from thelinear ratcheting gear118′, however, thedrawer104′ may be typically extended onebin116′ length outward. At that point, thesensor130′ senses the position of thedrawer104′ and thecontroller132 transmits a signal to thelatching mechanism122′ to engage thelinear ratcheting gear118′ so that thedrawer104′ cannot be extended further to prevent access toadditional bins116′, if so required. Theratcheting drawer104′, however, may be closed while thelatching mechanism122′ is engaged with theratcheting mechanism118′.
• As shown in FIGS.[0089]9-14, thedrawer104′ also has acover200′. In a preferred embodiment, eachseparate row115′ has aseparate cover200′. Thecovers200′ are moveable from an open cover position to a closed cover position, including progressively opened cover positions therebetween, to allow controlled access to thebins116′ in eachrow115′ of eachdrawer104′. The term closed cover position generally means that the cover is retained to the drawer and the bins are not accessible. Conversely, the term open cover position generally means that as the drawer is opened, bins will be exposed. In a preferred embodiment, thecovers200′ have relative movement with the drawer by sliding about thedrawer104′ (and conversely thedrawers104′ slide about thecovers200′) to provide access to abin116′. Further, in a preferred embodiment, when thecover200′ is in the open position, the cover′ is retained in the rear of thecabinet100′, and as thedrawer104′ opens, thebins116′ are exposed due to the fact that thedrawer104′ becomes extended from thecabinet100′ while thecover200′ has been retained in thecabinet100′.
• FIG. 10 discloses a two[0090]drawer104′ unit wherein thetop drawer104a′ is in the opened drawer position, and the lower drawer104b′ is in the closed drawer position. Thetop drawer104a′ has eightrows115′, four rows (R1-R8) on one side of thecontrol mechanism117′ and fouradditional rows115′ on the opposing side of thecontrol mechanism117′. Thecover200′ of row six (R6) is in the opened cover position, while thecovers200′ of the remainingrows115′ are in the closed cover position. Typically, only onecover200′ of adrawer104′ is open at any time, and the remainingcovers200′ are in the closed cover position.
• In a preferred embodiment, the[0091]covers200′ are secured to thedrawer104′, and they also slide about thepartitions113′ in thedrawer104′. As best shown in FIG. 13, thepartitions113′ have atop portion113a′ having a groove113b′ which mates with thecover200′. As such, if thecontroller132 sends a signal to provide access to aspecific bin116′ of arow115′, theappropriate drawer104′ will open, thecover200′ of theappropriate row115′ will be retained in thecabinet100′, and as thedrawer104′ is projected from thecabinet100′the retainedcover200′ slides about thedrawer104′, thereby sequentially exposing theappropriate bin116′.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a partial view of the drawer assembly shown in FIG. 10 (i.e., the[0092]control mechanism117′ and rows R5-R8). In this assembly, each of thecovers200′ of the both drawers (104a′ and104b′) are in the closed cover position (note thatcover200′ over row R7 is shown in phantom for illustrative purposes only. In the closed cover position thecover200′ is secured to thedrawer104′ and each of thebins116′ of thespecific row115′ are covered, thereby preventing access to any of thebins116′ in therow115′ in the closed cover position. In the open cover position thecovers200′ are secured to a the cabinet or a rear portion of the cabinet such that as thedrawer104′ is positioned out of the closed drawer position thebins116′ are sequentially uncovered.
• In the preferred embodiment, each[0093]cover200′ has alatch202′ associated therewith. Thelatch202′ is mounted to thedrawer104′ and engages thecover200′ in the closed cover position to prevent thecover200′ from being opened in the closed cover position. As shown in FIG. 14, thelatches202′ have afirst member204′ which mates with amating member206′ of thecover200′. In the embodiment illustrated, the mating member of thecover200′ is anopening206′, and thefirst member204′ of thelatch202′ is atab204′. A portion of thetab204′ passes into theopening206′ in thecover200′ to fixedly retain thecover200′ to thedrawer104′.
• The[0094]latches202′ are moveable from a closed latch position to an open latch position. FIG. 12 illustrates alatch202a′ which is in the open latch position at row R7, and a latch202b′ which is in the closed latch position at row R8. In the preferred embodiment, thelatch202′ is pivotable to allow thelatch202′ to disengage from thecover200′ by pivoting thetab204′ out of mating engagement with theopening206′. In the closed latch position thecover200′ is fixed to thedrawer104′. In the open latch position thecover200′ is no longer fixedly secured to thedrawer104′, rather thecover200′ is transitioned to a moveably secured state, secured about a rear of the cabinet, thereby preparing thedrawer104′ to be accessed.
• As shown in FIGS. 12 through 14, the[0095]storage device100′ has an unlockingmember208′. The unlockingmember208′ has a tab210′ which extends from the unlockingmember208′ and which is adapted to engage thecover200′. The unlockingmember208′ is moveable from a first position to a second position. In FIG. 13, unlockingmember208a′ of row R7 is shown in the second position, and unlocking member208b′ of rows R5, R6 and R8 is shown in the first position. Asolenoid212′ is utilized to transition the unlockingmember208′ between the first position and the second position, and to retain the unlockingmember208′ in the appropriate position.
• As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, when the unlocking[0096]member208′ is transitioned to the second position, the tab210′ of the unlockingmember208′ pushes up on thetab204′ of thelatch202′ and disengages thelatch202′ from thecover200′. In the same process, the tab210′ of the unlockingmember208′ engages thecover200′ in a reverse manner as that of thelatch202′. When the unlockingmember208′ engages thecover200′, thecover200′ is no longer fixedly secured to thedrawer104′ and is adapted to be moved into the open cover position when thedrawer104′ is opened as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Similarly, when the unlockingmember208′ engages thecover200′, thecover200′ is prevented from retained movement with thedrawer104′, and instead thecover200′ stays fixed to the unlockingmember208′, and thedrawer104′ and thecover200′ slide about one another. In a preferred embodiment, eachcover200′ of adrawer104′ has a separate unlockingmember208′.
• While the above system has been described to retain the[0097]cover200′ in the cabinet while thedrawer104′ is opened, one of ordinary skill in the art would fully understand that other methods, such as other mechanical or electrical means, including but not limited to magnetic means, are available to retain thecover200′ without departing from the scope of the present invention.
• A single cover unlocking system described above is adapted to be utilized with a plurality of drawers. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.[0098]9-14, twodrawers104a′,104b′ have a single cover unlocking system, however with modifications to the unlockingmember208′, such as providing additional tabs to the unlocking member, thecovers200′ ofadditional drawers104′ may be controlled therewith.
• By way of example, when two[0099]drawers104′ are utilized (104a′ and104′b), the unlockingmember208′ has a first tab210a′ and a second tab210b′ as shown in FIG. 14. In the first position the unlocking member208b′ does not engage either of thecovers200′, as shown in row R6 of FIG. 14. In the second position as shown in row R5 of FIG. 14, however, the first tab210a′ of unlockingmember208a′ engages thecover200′ of thefirst drawer104a′ and the second tab210b′ engages thecover200′ of the second drawer104b′ to allow thecover200′ of one of the first orsecond drawers104a′,104b′ to be opened when one of the first orsecond drawers104a′,104b′, respectively, is opened with its respective control mechanism.
• With this system, however, each[0100]drawer104′ has its owndrawer control mechanism117′ to allow independent positioning of eachdrawer104′. Thefirst drawer104a′ has afirst control mechanism117a′ that engages thefirst drawer104a′ and provides positioning of thefirst drawer104a′ between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position. The second drawer104b′ has a second control mechanism117b′ that engages the second drawer104b′ and provides positioning of the second drawer104b′ between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position. Additionally, for security reasons, only one of the first andsecond control mechanisms117a′,117b′ is operable at one time to allow one of the first orsecond drawers104a′,104b′ to be opened, thereby maintaining the other of the first orsecond drawers104a′,104b′ in the closed drawer position at that time.
• As such, the apparatus described above provides a simplified drawer-control mechanism which utilizes fewer parts, but which maintains greater control to access to the medical items in the storage cabinet.[0101]
• It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.[0102]

Claims (39)

What is claimed is:

1. A storage device for controlling access to medical items, comprising:

a cabinet, a drawer fitted within the cabinet, the drawer having a plurality of rows, wherein a plurality of the rows are separated into a plurality of bins, and a control mechanism engaging the drawer, the control mechanism allowing locked positioning of the drawer between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position, including progressively opened drawer positions therebetween.

2. The storage device ofclaim 1, further comprising separate covers for a plurality of the rows, respectively, of the drawer, the covers being moveable from an open cover position to a closed cover position, including progressively opened cover positions therebetween, to allow controlled access to individual rows of the drawer and to the bins in each respective row.

3. The storage device ofclaim 2, wherein the covers are closedly secured to the drawer in the closed cover position, wherein each of the bins of a row are covered in the closed cover position preventing access to any of the bins of the row in the closed cover position, and wherein the covers are in sliding engagement with the drawer to allow opening of the covers.

4. The storage device ofclaim 2, wherein the covers are connected to the drawer in sliding engagement to sequentially expose the bins of one of the rows.

5. The storage device ofclaim 2, further comprising a latch mounted to the drawer, the latch engaging one of the covers in the closed cover position to prevent the cover from being opened in the closed cover position, the latch being moveable to an open latch position to allow opening of the cover.

6. The storage device ofclaim 5, further comprising a separate latch for a plurality of the covers.

7. The storage device ofclaim 5, further comprising an unlocking member having a tab, the unlocking member being moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the tab of the unlocking member disengages the latch from the cover in the second position, and further wherein the tab engages the cover in the second position allowing the cover to be moved into the open cover position when the drawer is opened.

8. The storage device ofclaim 7, wherein the cover is prevented from movement with the drawer when the tab of the unlocking member engages the cover.

9. The storage device ofclaim 6, further comprising separate unlocking members for each of the plurality of covers, each of the unlocking members having a tab and being moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the tab of the unlocking member disengages the latch from the respective cover in the second position, and further wherein the tab engages the respective cover in the second position allowing the cover to be moved into the open cover position when the drawer is opened.

10. The storage device ofclaim 7, further comprising a second drawer fitted within the cabinet, the second drawer having a plurality of rows, wherein a plurality of the rows of the second drawer are separated into a plurality of bins, and a separate control mechanism engaging the second drawer, the control mechanism allowing independent positioning of the second drawer between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position, including progressively opened drawer positions therebetween, the second drawer also having individual covers for a plurality of the rows of the second drawer, the covers being moveable from an open cover position to a closed cover position, including progressively opened cover positions therebetween, to allow controlled access to the bins of the second drawer, the second drawer also having a latch mounted to the second drawer, the latch engaging one of the covers of the second drawer in the closed cover position to prevent the cover from being opened in the closed cover position, the latch being moveable to an open latch position to allow opening of the cover, wherein a second tab of the unlocking member disengages the latch from the cover of the second drawer when the unlocking member is in the second position.

11. The storage device ofclaim 1, further comprising a sensor connected to one of the drawer or the cabinet, the sensor providing a signal to the control mechanism of the position of the drawer.

12. The storage device ofclaim 1, wherein the control mechanism comprises a ratchet member connected to the drawer, a latching mechanism releasably engaging the ratchet member, a sensor for determining a position of the drawer, and a controller electrically connected to the sensor and the latching mechanism, the controller receiving a position signal from the sensor, and the controller providing a control signal to the latching mechanism to manipulate engagement and disengagement of the ratchet member for allowing movement of the drawer.

13. The storage device ofclaim 12, wherein the ratchet member comprises a linear ratcheting gear.

14. The storage device ofclaim 12, wherein the ratchet member is configured to resist opening and allow closing of the drawer when engaged by the latching mechanism.

15. A storage device for controlling access to medical items, comprising:

a drawer, a plurality of dividers extending about a width of the drawer and separating the drawer into a plurality of bins, a drawer control mechanism engaging the drawer and adapted to provide locked positioning of the drawer between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position, including progressively opened drawer positions therebetween, and a cover slidingly engaging the drawer and being moveable between an open cover position and a locked closed cover position, including progressively opened cover positions therebetween, to allow access to the bins when the drawer is in one of the opened drawer position and a progressively opened drawer position.

16. The storage device ofclaim 15, further comprising a latch mounted to the drawer, the latch engaging the cover to prevent the cover from being opened in the closed cover position, the latch being moveable to an open latch position to allow opening of the cover.

17. The storage device ofclaim 16, further comprising an unlocking member having a tab, the unlocking member being moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the tab of the unlocking member disengages the latch from the cover in the second position of the unlocking member, and wherein the tab engages the cover in the second position allowing the cover to be moved into the open cover position when the drawer is opened.

18. The storage device ofclaim 17, wherein the cover is prevented from movement with the drawer when the tab of the unlocking member engages the cover.

19. The storage device ofclaim 15, wherein the drawer is further divided into a plurality of rows that are separated into a plurality of bins with dividers, wherein the rows have individual covers, wherein each cover has a latch associated therewith, each latch engaging the respective cover to prevent the cover from being opened in the closed cover position, the latch being moveable to an open latch position to allow opening of the cover.

20. The storage device ofclaim 19, further comprising an unlocking member for each row of the drawer.

21. The storage device ofclaim 15, further comprising a second drawer adjacent the first drawer, the second drawer having a cover and a latch mounted to the second drawer and engaging the cover on the second drawer to prevent the cover from being opened in the closed cover position, and an unlocking member having a first tab and a second tab, and the unlocking member being moveable between a first position and a second position, in the second position the first tab of the unlocking member disengages the latch from the cover of the first drawer and the second tab of the unlocking member disengages the latch from the cover of the second drawer, and in the second position the first tab engages the cover of the first drawer and the second tab engages the cover of the second drawer allowing the cover of one of the first drawer or the second drawer to be moved into the open cover position when one of the first drawer or the second drawer is opened.

22. A storage device for controlling access to medical items, comprising:

a first drawer having a cover that is secured to the first drawer in the closed cover position;

a second drawer having a cover that is secured to the second drawer in the closed cover position; and,

an unlocking member having a first tab and a second tab, and being moveable between a first position and a second position, in the first position the unlocking member does not engage either of the covers, and in the second position the first tab of the unlocking member engages the cover of the first drawer and the second tab of the unlocking member engages the cover of the second drawer to allow the cover of one of the first or second drawer to be opened when one of the first or second drawers, respectively, is opened.

23. The storage device ofclaim 22, further comprising a first control mechanism engaging the first drawer and providing positioning of the first drawer between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position, including progressively opened drawer positions, and a second control mechanism engaging the second drawer and providing positioning of the second drawer between an open drawer position and a closed drawer position, also including progressively opened drawer positions, wherein only one of the first and second control mechanisms is operable at one time to open one of the first or second drawers, thereby maintaining the other of the first or second drawers in the closed drawer position at that time.

24. The storage device ofclaim 22, wherein the covers for the first and second drawers slidingly engage their respective drawer.

25. A storage device for medical items, comprising:

a cabinet, a drawer slidably retained in the cabinet, the drawer having a plurality of rows for holding medical items, the rows extending from a front portion of the drawer to a rear portion of the drawer, and a portion of a control mechanism located between two of the plurality of rows in the drawer.

26. The storage device ofclaim 25, wherein each row of the drawer has a cover movable between a closed cover position and an open cover position, and wherein each cover has a latch removably locking the cover to the drawer in the closed cover position, the latch being moveable to an open position to allow opening of the cover.

27. The storage device ofclaim 26, wherein the covers slide about the respective rows to sequentially expose a plurality of bins in each row.

28. The storage device ofclaim 25, wherein the control mechanism comprises a ratcheting member with a plurality of one-way teeth, and a latching member engaging the ratcheting member in a plurality of positions to prevent the drawer from opening a controlled distance beyond the current position, while allowing the drawer to be closed at any time.

29. The storage device ofclaim 28, further comprising a sensor in the drawer, the sensor providing a signal of the position of the drawer.

30. A storage device for controlling access to medical items, comprising:

a cabinet;

a drawer within the cabinet, the drawer having a plurality of rows separated into a plurality of bins;

a control member engaging the drawer and allowing locked positioning of the drawer between a closed drawer position and an open drawer position, including progressively opened drawer positions therebetween, to sequentially expose any open bins;

a sensor providing a signal of the location of the drawer relative to the cabinet to assist in determining a current position of the drawer relative to the plurality bins, the signal being transferred to a controller, wherein the controller controls engagement of the control mechanism to allow opening of the drawer;

individual covers over the rows in the drawer, the covers being moveable from an open cover position to a closed cover position as the drawer is progressively opened, including progressively opened cover positions therebetween to allow controlled access to the bins, wherein the covers are secured to the drawer in the closed cover position; and,

an unlocking member engaging the covers to selectively unlock the covers to allow the bins to be exposed as the drawer is opened.

31. The storage device ofclaim 30, wherein the control member comprises a ratcheting member connected to the drawer, and a latching mechanism configured to engage the ratcheting member at any of a plurality of positions to prevent the drawer from opening a controlled distance beyond the current position, while allowing the drawer to be closed at any time.

32. The storage device ofclaim 31, wherein the ratcheting member has a plurality of unidirectional teeth.

33. The storage device ofclaim 30, wherein the unlocking member comprises a solenoid having an engaging member, the engaging member contacting the ratcheting member to prevent exterior movement of the drawer.

34. The storage device ofclaim 30, wherein the unlocking member is moveable from a first position to a second position, and wherein at tab of the unlocking member engages the cover in the second position to secure the cover to the unlocking member.

35. A storage device for controlling access to medical items, comprising:

a cabinet, a drawer being moveable between a closed drawer position and an open drawer position, including progressively opened drawer positions therebetween, a means for retaining the drawer in various positions, a cover engaging the drawer and being moveable between an open cover position and a closed cover position, including progressively opened cover positions therebetween, and a means for retaining the cover within the cabinet when the drawer is moved to an opened drawer position.

36. The storage device ofclaim 35, further comprising a plurality of rows in the drawer, and a separate cover for each row.

37. A storage device for controlling access to medical items, comprising:

a cabinet, a drawer having a plurality of bins, the drawer being moveable between a closed drawer position and an open drawer position, including progressively opened drawer positions therebetween, a means for retaining the drawer in various positions, a cover engaging the drawer and being moveable between an open cover position and a closed cover position, including progressively opened cover positions therebetween, and a means for exposing the bins of the drawer when the drawer is moved to an opened drawer position.

38. A method of providing access to medical items in a drawer of a cabinet, comprising the steps of:

providing a cabinet having a drawer, the drawer having a row divided into a plurality bins, and a cover over the row, the cover moveably engaging the drawer;

securing the cover in a rear portion of the cabinet;

allowing the drawer to be moved to an open position, wherein as the drawer is progressively opened, the drawer moves relative to the cover to sequentially expose and provide access to the bins of the drawer.

39. The method ofclaim 38, further comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of rows in the draw, each row being divided into a plurality of bins, and each row having an individual cover moveably engaging the drawer;

securing one of the plurality of covers to a rear portion of the cabinet, the remaining covers of the drawer being secured to the drawer;

allowing the drawer to be moved into the open position, wherein as the drawer is progressively opened, the bins of the row having the cover secured to the rear portion of the cabinet become sequentially accessible, and wherein the bins of the remaining rows are covered and inaccessible.

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