US20030222548A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20030222548A1
Application number: US10/160,564
Authority: US
Inventors: William Richardson; Yan Lvovitch; Stanley Schwartz
Original assignee: Baxter International Inc
Current assignee: Baxter International Inc
Priority date: 2002-05-31
Filing date: 2002-05-31
Publication date: 2003-12-04

Abstract

A device is provided for controlling access to medical items. At least one ratcheting drawer is provided having a plurality of bins adapted to hold the medical items and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened. A latching mechanism engages the ratcheting drawer to prevent the drawer from opening. A sensor detects the position of the drawer relative to the bins and, when access to the contents of a particular bin is authorized, the latching mechanism disengages until the specific bin is exposed, as determined by the sensor.

Description

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.[0001]

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 60/377,027 filed Apr. 30, 2002; U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 60/376,625, filed Apr. 30, 2002; U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 60/376,655, filed Apr. 30, 2002; and U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 10/135,180 filed Apr. 30, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 10/059,929 filed Jan. 29, 2002, and incorporates such applications herein by reference.[0002]

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 crosspieces 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. 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 embodiment 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 embodiment, 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 yet 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]

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.[0023]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:[0024]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medication depot having a ratcheting drawer and a return storage system of the present invention;[0025]

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a module of ratcheting drawers of the present invention;[0026]

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one ratcheting drawer of the present invention;[0027]

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of one ratcheting drawer of the present invention;[0028]

FIG. 5 is a partial top view of the framework of the ratcheting drawer assembly of FIG. 1, with one ratcheting drawer removed;[0029]

FIG. 6A is a partial cut-away side elevation view of FIG. 5;[0030]

FIG. 6B is top plan view of FIG. 6[0031]a;

FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the latch mechanism of FIG. 5;[0032]

FIG. 8A is a partial cut-away side elevation view of the return storage system of FIG. 1; and, FIG. 8B is a partial cut-away side elevation view of the return storage system of FIG. 1.[0033]

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.[0034]

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[0035]

depot

100 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[0036]

medication depot

100 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[0037]

modular unit

108 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 has slides110, which are on the side of the modular unit in the embodiment illustrated. The slides110 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[0038]

drawers

104 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[0039]

ratcheting drawer

104 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[0040]

member

118 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[0041]

member

118 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[0042]

ratcheting drawer

104 further has afirst 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, thefirst mating member124 is centrally disposed on the bottom surface of theratcheting drawer104 adjacent the ratchetingmember118. Further, in the embodiment illustrated thefirst mating member124 comprises a channel or rail and thesecond mating member124 comprises a slide member (it is understood that these components may be reversed). Thefirst 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[0043]

ratcheting drawer

104 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[0044]

sensor

130 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[0045]

markings

128 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[0046]

drawer assembly

102 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[0047]

latching mechanism

122 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[0048]

ejection mechanism

140 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[0049]

controller

132 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[0050]

controller

132 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[0051]

controller

132 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[0052]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[0053]

alternative latching mechanisms

122, 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,[0054]

solenoid

136 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[0055]

drawers

104 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[0056]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[0057]

return bin

164 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[0058]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[0059]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.[0060]

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.[0061]

Claims

What is claimed is:

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

a drawer having a ratcheting member, a latching mechanism controllably engaging the ratcheting 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 the latching mechanism for controlling movement of the drawer.

2. The storage device ofclaim 1, wherein the ratcheting member has a plurality of unidirectional teeth.

3. The storage device ofclaim 2, wherein the teeth of the ratcheting member are one-way teeth.

4. The storage device ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one divider in the drawer, the at least one divider separating the drawer into a plurality of bins.

5. The storage device ofclaim 1, wherein the latching mechanism comprises a solenoid having an engaging member, the engaging member contacting the ratcheting member to prevent exterior movement of the drawer.

6. The storage device ofclaim 1, further comprising markings on the drawer, the sensor sensing the markings to determine the position of the drawer, and the sensor providing signals to the controller of the position of the drawer.

7. The storage device ofclaim 1, wherein the latching mechanism comprises a linear ratcheting gear.

8. The storage device ofclaim 1, wherein the drawer has a first member that slidingly engages a mating member for providing sliding movement of the drawer.

9. The storage device ofclaim 8, wherein the mating member is connected to a framework.

10. The storage device ofclaim 9, further comprising a drawer module, and wherein the framework is a component of the drawer module.

11. The storage device ofclaim 10, wherein the drawer module in removably secured in a cabinet, the cabinet being moveable.

12. The storage device ofclaim 1, further comprising an interchangeable module, and wherein a plurality of drawers are positioned in the module.

13. The storage device ofclaim 12, further comprising a cabinet, the interchangeable module being removably mounted in the cabinet.

14. The storage device ofclaim 1, wherein the cabinet is moveable.

15. The storage device ofclaim 1, further comprising a stationary cabinet housing the drawer, and wherein the stationary cabinet is adapted to be connected in series to at least one additional stationary cabinet.

16. A storage device for controlling access to one or more medical items in the storage device, comprising:

a cabinet, a ratcheting drawer fitted within the cabinet, the ratcheting drawer having a ratcheting member, a latching mechanism engaging the ratcheting mechanism, and the ratcheting member adapted to resist opening and allow closing of the drawer when engaged by the latching mechanism.

17. The storage device ofclaim 16, further comprising a controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism, the controller controlling engagement of the ratcheting member by the latching mechanism.

18. The storage device ofclaim 17, further comprising a sensor operatively connected to the latching mechanism, the sensor sending a signal to the controller of the position of the ratcheting drawer.

19. The storage device ofclaim 18, further comprising optical markings on the ratcheting drawer, the sensor sensing the markings.

20. The storage device ofclaim 16, wherein the ratcheting drawer has a plurality of bins adapted to hold the medical items and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened.

21. The storage device ofclaim 17, wherein the ratcheting drawer has a plurality of bins, wherein the controller receives authorization for access to the medical items in the ratcheting drawer, wherein the controller tracks which bins have been accessed and the position of the ratcheting drawer, and wherein the controller allowing access to the first bin of the ratcheting drawer containing one of the medical items.

22. The storage device ofclaim 16, wherein the ratcheting drawer has a framework, wherein the latching mechanism is connected to the cabinet through the framework, and wherein the ratcheting drawer and the framework are removably secured in an aperture of the cabinet.

23. The storage device ofclaim 16, further comprising a plurality of ratcheting drawers in the cabinet, each of the ratcheting drawers having a ratcheting member engaging a separate latching mechanism to independently resist opening and allow closing of the drawer when engaged by the separate latching member.

24. The storage device ofclaim 23, wherein the plurality of ratcheting drawers comprise a module that can be interchangeably installed in the cabinet.

25. The storage device atclaim 16, wherein the latching mechanism is stationary within the cabinet, and wherein the latching mechanism does not move with the ratcheting drawer.

26. The storage device ofclaim 16, wherein the ratcheting member is a unidirectional ratcheting member having a plurality of one-way teeth.

27. A storage device for containing and controlling distribution of medical items stored in the storage device, comprising:

a cabinet having at least one ratcheting drawer with a plurality of bins, each bin extending substantially about a width of the drawer, and the bins extending in series from a front of the drawer to a rear of the drawer, wherein the bins are adapted to hold medical items and disposed to become exposed sequentially as the drawer is opened, the ratcheting drawer having a ratcheting member with a plurality of one-way teeth, the ratcheting drawer further having a plurality of position indicators thereon, the position indicators being positioned on the drawer relative to the plurality of bins in the drawer;

a sensor adjacent the position indicators on the ratcheting drawer, the sensor providing a signal of the indicator adjacent the sensor to assist in determining a current position of the ratcheting drawer relative to the plurality bins;

a latching mechanism configured to engage the ratcheting member any of a plurality of positions to prevent the ratcheting drawer from opening a controlled distance beyond the current position, while allowing the drawer to be closed at any time; and,

a controller operatively connected to the sensor and the latching mechanism, wherein the ratcheting member is normally engaged by the latching mechanism to resist opening of the ratcheting drawer beyond the current position, and wherein when the controller obtains authorization for access to the one or more medical items stored in a particular bin the controller provides a signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the particular bin of the particular drawer.

28. The storage device ofclaim 27, wherein the ratcheting member is mounted to the ratcheting drawer.

29. The storage device ofclaim 27, wherein the ratcheting drawer is mounted in a module that is removably secured in the cabinet.

30. The storage device ofclaim 29, wherein a plurality of ratcheting drawers are mounted in the module, and wherein the removable module is adapted to be removably inserted within a cabinet.

31. The storage device ofclaim 27, wherein as a signal is provided to access a bin of a particular drawer, the controller provides a signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the next occupied bin in the series of bins in the particular drawer.

32. The storage device ofclaim 27, wherein one of the drawers is a return drawer, wherein the controller obtains a signal that a medical item is to be returned, and wherein the controller provides a signal to the latching mechanism to disengage the ratcheting member to expose the next empty bin in series adjacent the front of the drawer for placement of a medical item to be returned therein, and after the medical item to be returned is placed in the next empty bin and the bin is returned to an unexposed position, the controller does not allow exposure of the contents of that bin until the controller receives a signal by an authorized user.

33. The storage device ofclaim 27, further comprising a return depot connected to the cabinet, the return depot comprising a housing having an interior, the housing having an aperture providing access to the interior of the housing, and a locking door covering the aperture to control access to the interior of the housing through the aperture, a return bin secured in an interior of the housing, the return bin having a cavity with an opening, the return bin being movable into a plurality of positions, another aperture in the housing mating with the opening in the return bin when the return bin is positioned in a first position, a cover secured to the housing and overlaying the another aperture in the housing, the covering providing controlled access to the return bin inside the housing, an actuator connected to the return bin, the actuator manipulating movement of the return bin, and a controller electrically connected to the actuator to provide the actuator with a signal for manipulating the return bin.

34. A storage device for controlling access to returned medical items in a medical facility, comprising:

a housing having an interior;

a return bin secured in the interior of the housing, the return bin having a cavity with an opening, the return bin being movable to a plurality of positions;

a first aperture in the housing, the first aperture mating with the opening in the return bin when the return bin is positioned in a first position;

a cover secured to the housing and overlaying the first aperture in the housing, the covering providing controlled access to the cavity of the return bin inside the housing;

an actuator connected to the return bin, the actuator manipulating movement of the return bin; and,

a controller electrically connected to the actuator to provide the actuator with a signal for manipulating the return bin.

35. The storage device ofclaim 34, further comprising a moveable medical item distribution cart, wherein the housing is mounted to the moveable medical item distribution cart.

36. The storage device ofclaim 34, further comprising a second aperture in the housing providing access to the interior of the housing, and a locking door covering the second aperture to control access to the interior of the housing through the second aperture.

37. The storage device ofclaim 34, wherein the return bin is moveable to a second position, wherein an exterior of the return bin mates with the first aperture in the housing to operatively close the first aperture when the return bin is in the second position, and wherein the cavity of the return bin is open to the interior of the housing to allow the contents of the cavity to be expelled into the interior of the housing when the return bin is located in the second position.

38. The storage device ofclaim 34, further comprising a weight in the return bin, the weight assisting manipulation of the return bin from the second position to the first position.

39. The storage device ofclaim 34, wherein the first aperture is positioned in a first location on the housing, and wherein the second aperture is positioned in a second location on the housing below the first location.

40. The storage device ofclaim 34, wherein the first aperture in the housing is located in a upper portion of the housing, and wherein the second aperture in the housing is located in an lower portion of the housing.

41. The storage device ofclaim 34, wherein the actuator is engaged to manipulate movement of the return bin when the cover is opened.

42. The storage device ofclaim 34, wherein the actuator has a linkage which rotates the return bin from the first position to the second position.

43. The storage device ofclaim 42, wherein the return bin rotates from the second position to the first position when the cover is allowed to open.

44. The storage device ofclaim 41, further comprising a solenoid to open the cover.

45. The storage device ofclaim 36, wherein the actuator is operatively connected to the cover such that as the cover opens the actuator manipulates the return bin to have the opening in the cavity of the return bin mate with the first aperture in the housing, and when the cover is closed the actuator manipulates the return bin to have the exterior of the return bin operatively close the first aperture in the housing.

46. The storage device ofclaim 34, wherein the return bin is a cylindrical drum that rotates within the interior of the housing.

47. The storage device ofclaim 34, further providing a lock to override the controller for opening and closing the cover.

48. The storage device ofclaim 35, further providing a lock to open and close the locking door to control access to the interior of the housing for removing the medical items therein.

49. A method for securing access to medical items in a container, comprising the steps of:

providing a drawer having a unidirectional ratcheting member;

providing a latching mechanism;

providing a controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism;

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.

50. The method for securing access to medical items in a container ofclaim 49, further comprising the steps of:

providing a sensor, the sensor being operatively connected to the controller;

sensing a position of the drawer; and,

sending a signal from the sensor to the controller of the position of the drawer.

51. The method for securing access to medical items in a container ofclaim 50, further comprising the steps of:

providing at least one divider in the drawer, the at least one divider separating the drawer into a plurality of bins;

receiving authorization from the controller to access a particular bin;

disengaging the latching mechanism to expose the particular bin; and,

engaging the latching mechanism when the particular bin exposed.

52. A method of returning a medical item to the storage device, comprising the steps of:

providing a drawer having a unidirectional ratcheting member operatively engaging the unidirectional ratcheting member;

providing a latching mechanism;

providing a controller operatively connected to the latching mechanism;

providing a command to the controller that a medical item is to be returned;

sending a signal from the controller to the latching mechanism to manipulate engagement of the latching mechanism with the ratcheting member for providing controlled opening of the drawer;

depositing the medical item to be returned in the open drawer; and,

closing the drawer.

53. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device ofclaim 52, further comprising the steps of:

providing a sensor, the sensor being operatively connected to the controller;

receiving authorization from the controller to access a particular bin for returning a medical item, the particular bin to be accessed being the next available bin positioned sequentially closer to a front of the drawer;

sending a signal from the sensor to the controller of the position of the drawer;

disengaging the latching mechanism to expose the next available bin positioned sequentially closer to the front of the drawer;

engaging the latching mechanism when the particular bin exposed;

depositing the medical item to be returned in the open bin of the drawer; and,

closing the drawer.

54. A method of returning a medical item to the storage device, comprising the steps of:

providing a housing having an interior, the housing having a first aperture;

providing a return bin secured in the interior of the housing, the return bin having a cavity with an opening, the return bin being movable to a plurality of positions, the opening of the cavity mating with the first aperture of the housing when the return bin is positioned in a first position;

providing a cover controllably overlaying the first aperture in the housing;

providing an actuator connected to the return bin, the actuator manipulating movement of the return bin;

providing a controller electrically connected to the actuator;

providing a command to the controller that a medical item is to be returned;

opening the cover;

depositing the medical item to be returned within the cavity of the return bin; and,

closing the cover.

55. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device ofclaim 54, further comprising the steps of:

providing the actuator with a signal for manipulating the return bin;

having the actuator manipulate the return bin from a second position, wherein an exterior of the return bin mates with the first aperture in the housing, to a first position, wherein the opening of the cavity of the return bin mates with the first aperture in the housing; and,

having the actuator manipulate the return bin from the second position to the first position when the cover is opened.

56. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device ofclaim 55, further comprising the steps of:

having the actuator manipulate the return bin from the first position to the second position when the cover is closed, to expel the contents of the items in the cavity.

57. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device ofclaim 54, further comprising the steps of:

providing a solenoid engaging the cover;

providing a signal from the controller to the solenoid to charge the solenoid;

having the charged solenoid unlock the cover.

58. The method of returning a medical item to the storage device ofclaim 54, further comprising the steps of:

providing a second aperture in the housing;

providing a locking door covering the second aperture;

unlocking the locking door and opening the locking door;

emptying the contents of the interior of the housing; and,

closing and locking the locking door.